MVP? Not even on his own team.
Warriors (8-11) @ Thunder (13-7)
TV: CSN (HD) Radio: KNBR 680
Tip-Off: 4:00pm
Blog Buddy: Welcome to Loud City
How will the Warriors even compete in this game? I have no idea. I also have no idea how the Thunder lost to the Raptors by 12. So maybe there's a chance. There's also a chance that the Thunder are really, really mad and plan to take it out on the Warriors.
Everyone was talking about Kevin Durant this year as the MVP candidate. After his amazing last year and his ridiculous performance at the FIBA tournament, there was plenty of reasons for that discussion.
But then Russell Westbrook.
He's the MVP of the Thunder right now and if voting were today, he'd get some votes for MVP of the league. At 24.4ppg (TS 55.3%), 5.5 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 2.2 steals, he's killin' it. Compare his line with Kevin Durant: 27.4ppg (TS 54.4%), 6.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Durant's shooting percentage is way down this year while Westbrook's is way up.
For the Thunder to have 2 MVP caliber players at just 22 years old is just unfair.
And then we have the Warriors...
Frustrating doesn't begin to describe this Warriors team. There's a lack of:
- energy
- focus
- big men
- productive bench players
- coaching
How is it that in every game the Warriors seem to have "no legs" or no energy? The schedule gets tough right at the wrong time as the Warriors are slumping even with David Lee back. Thirteen more games in December. With the level with which the Warriors are playing at, it's going to be a rough December. Someone needs to light a fire under these guys and do it soon.
Shoot free throws however you want, just make'em
Free Throw Fun Fest - The Stats
All season, the Warriors have been getting killed at the line. Now come the Thunder, check out their stats:
- 2nd in the league in free throws per game at 31
- 1st in the league in free throws made per game at 26.3
- 1st in the league in free throw percentage at 84.8%
Here are the Warriors free throw stats
- Last in the league in free throws per game at 20.8
- Last in the league in free throws made per game at 15.2
- 25th in the league in free throw percentage at 73%
Ouch. Did nobody learn from Corey Maggette last year about how to get to the line?
Injury update: you might not see Durant tonight, he's been out the last 2 games due to his knee. It looks like it'll be a game time decision. I will assume he's playing after the embarrassing loss to the Raptors on Friday.
Predictions
- Warriors lose by 16
Thunder shoot more free throws than Warriors have field goals made
I start writing the recap in the 3rd quarter