Thunder Recap 5-13-14

5-13-14

Clippers @ Thunder Game 5

   Alright, I haven't blogged in quite some time, but after that game last night, I just thought I couldn't live with myself if I let this one go.  I had my mind set on writing this last night, but until two in the morning, this was me.

  . I just stared at the wall with a goofy smile, not really knowing what just happened.  Everyone was saying the Thunder won, but being down seven with 47 seconds, that's kind of hard to believe. I mean, in my head I knew because I literally jumped up and down in one place over and over for five straight minutes.  But honestly the Thunder played so poorly throughout it just seemed as if they were doomed. The offense went five straight minutes in the fourth quarter without scoring, then scored eight in the final 47 seconds.  KD was 3-17 shooting going into the fourth quarter, then hit three of his next five for 10 points. Maybe its just meant to be.

   There is going to be two types of ways to look at this game. 

   First way: The Thunder stepped up and made plays in the last three minutes when they needed it most, making defensive stop after defensive stop, hitting threes, getting to the line, getting turnovers and transition layups. Russ being Russ. We caught some breaks with the last few calls, sure, but the game was only in that situation because of the fight this team showed. 

   Second way: The Thunder got lucky and the refs were the only reason they won. Which, that group is going to be the fair weather OKC fans and Clippers fans. And the Spurs, because they're scared to play the Thunder next round. 

   Hopefully everyone reading this is in group number one.  Even worse than group two is the people on twitter who are saying the game is rigged. If you seriously think that way, then you need to reevaluate your entire life. First, Clippers are a HUGE market, meaning more TV ratings and more money for the league. Two, the Clippers are the team with the Donald Sterling drama and bandwagon fans love stuff like that. Three, the league can't rig a player to make ridiculous shots, or a MVP to go 3-17. Sure the refs could have a tiny influence on the outcome, but in the end the players are the ones playing the game. So, if it was rigged, I don't think it would be in OKC's favor.

   So, let us actually talk about the game. OKC started off much like they ended game 4, TURRIBLE. Couldn't guard the three point line, couldn't guard the pick n roll, couldn't stop (former friend) Blake Griffin, and the Clippers made everything they threw towards the basket. On the offensive side, there was a bunch of standing around, Russ isolating 30 feet from the goal, KD standing at the elbow posting up with his freakishly long arm stuck 40 feet in the air, and Thunder men missed everything they flung towards the basket. But thanks to free throws, the score was only 58-52 at halftime. Could have been way worse.  

   Skip the third quarter because I'm getting hungry. 

   Fourth quarter started off good, got terrible, then good again.  OKC cut the lead to two at 90-88, then went into stupid mode. *Dribble dribble dribble *looks at shot clock *sees that it says three seconds *shoots 30 footer.  Rinse. Repeat. During that time, LA went on a 11-0 run to get the lead to 13.  Scott Brooks calls a timeout to draw up a play, and you guessed it, the play was terrible. It pretty much was just hey Kevin Durant, you're pretty good so get open and shoot. Which, if that was the case, then they executed flawlessly. Swish. A couple more stops, Kevin got to the free throw line, made both, then just down six. I know the math doesn't come out right, but whatever I may have forgot a few points, who cares. So, Another stop followed by Reggie Jackson layup cut it to four, 101-97.   Griffin got fouled, made the first, missed the second. After an improbable offensive rebound by "Big Baby" Davis, Chris Paul dribbled into what seemed like a dagger fadeaway. Splash. Lead to seven with 47 seconds. I cried a little. Thought about going to bed, but a Kevin three and a Kevin transition dunk cut it to two with 17 seconds. Chris Paul takes the inbounds pass, and instead of just waiting on the foul, he tries to shoot a halfcourt shot to try and get three free throws. But Russ got his hand in and stripped the ball, Reggie scoops it up leading a 3 on 1 fastbreak, decides to keep it himself, got stripped of the ball and it went out of bounds. The Thunder were rewarded the ball. A replay was called for. The replay shows that Matt Barnes fouled Jackson, but they missed the call. The replay also showed that the ball was out off of Reggie's right hand, but after review, the play stood. Thunder ball.  Once again, we got to see the brilliance of Brooks' play drawing. And, once again, the play was not good. This is how I picture that timeout went.

 Brooks: "Hey Russ"

 Russ: "Yeah Coach?"

 Brooks: "Is it our ball?"

 Hasheem Thabeet: "Sorry to interrupt but yes Coach its our ball."

 Brooks: "Thanks Hash"

 Brooks: "Alright, Fish?"

 Jeremy Lamb: "Coach his hearing aid isn't working"

 Brooks: "Well tell him he is gonna shoot the game winning shot."

 Russ: "Lol" *whispers in Reggie Jackson's ear, "Just pass it to me" 

 Reggie: *giggles "You got it, Russ"

  Russ gets the inbound, down two, and I'm thinking drive to the goal, maybe get fouled, maybe get a layup. Russ is thinking, Nope, 30 foot pull up jumper. Shoots it and airballs it. But, he gets bailed out by a Cliff Paul foul. Russ gets three free throws with a chance to go up one. And he cans all three. Shouts to him for that. Because I'm at home, just me and my mom, and I'm out of my mind nervous. Shaking like a little girl, biting my fingernails, and all I have to do is watch him shoot.  He is in front of 20,000 people praying that he makes them, and isn't even nervous. Thunder up 105-104 with six seconds, with Doc Rivers getting to draw up a play. And he's actually good at it. Him versus Brooks in a play drawing up contest would be like Kevin Durant versus me in a dunk contest. And, like we all knew, his play was pretty good. Cliff Paul came off a Blake Griffin screen at the top of the key and drives down the lane, meanwhile I'm standing in a pool of my own tears, but he loses the ball and its recovered by Serge Ibaka. The Thunder won and fans went from sorrow to pure joy in five minutes. I'm still crying, but in a good way now, doing my jumping in place routine, and everything felt right in the world again. 

  Crazy how much more you can come up with after sleep and 12 more hours to process, because last night, after staring at the wall forever, this is all 

I could come up with: "There was a basketball game tonight, some hoops were scored, some fouls were called, and the Thunder scored one more point than the Clippers. The End"

Next Up: Game 6 @ Staples Center in LA

B's 2014 NFL Mock Draft

Disclaimer: I am a huge nerd for the NFL draft...So here we go...

Ok, so the time from the end of the NFL season until the NFL draft is entirely too long. Guys like me grow very impatient and I seriously have looked at thousands of mock drafts(most of which I don't agree with) however, I still read. So, I thought I would make my own. I'm pretty sure I've done plenty of research on the matter to be an NFL scout so if anyone reading this likes what they see and knows how to pull some strings and make that happen, hook a brother up.

 1. Houston Texans-Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

I know there is a lot of speculation as to what the Texans will do with this pick. I, personally, think they should try and trade the pick and see if they can get a smoking deal like the Rams/Redskins RG3 trade. However, I doubt they will get that lucky. So, I would take the best player available(Jadeveon Clowney) and pair him with J.J. Watt to form the best pass rush in the league. I think they will be able to select Teddy Bridgewater with their 2nd round selection, so there is your QB, Houston.

 2. St. Louis Rams-Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

The talk of the Rams drafting Johnny Manziel here is crazy talk to me. I am a little biased towards Sam Bradford but I know if he's given Sammy Watkins, to go along with Tavon Austin from last year's draft. Sam could continue adding on to the numbers that he was putting up before his injury last season. Which, a lot of people say Sam is injury prone, and in that case, give him some protection! So I could also see them drafting Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews here. But I like the idea of a Sam to Sammy connection. Sammy Watkins is going to be a beast.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars-Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Ok, I think I like Blake Bortles or Derek Carr more, but for Jacksonville and their fandom's sake, they take Johnny Football. Mainly, to help them put some fans in their seats. He is very fun to watch and I think teams are starting to realize that short quarterbacks aren't so bad(see Drew Brees or Russell Wilson)

4. Cleveland Browns-Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

I think Cleveland would really love to have Sammy Watkins here to pair with Josh Gordon, however, he's taken here. So I go with the big offensive lineman with the most upside here. Whoever the Browns QB will be next year will love having him and Joe Thomas protecting him.

5. Oakland Raiders- Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo

I'm not sure what the Raiders will do here. Their previous draft history would indicate that they may not know what to do either. I would go with the best player available here and wait to get my quarterback next year. They seem to think Matt Schaub can get the job done in 2014 so i'd wait it out one more year and select Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, or Brett Hundley as my franchise quarterback next season.

6. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

They would love to get Khalil Mack or Jadeveon Clowney here but, unfortunately, they will be gone by now. So they protect Matt Ryan and select Matthews here.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evan, WR, Texas A&M

The Bucs seem to really want to select the big WR here. Him and Vincent Jackson would be a pretty scary combination.

8. Minnesota Vikings- Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

I think all the Vikings need is a franchise QB and they will be contenders. I think they realize this as well. They pick Bortles here who I think is very similar to Andrew Luck and Ben Roethlisberger. All you need to do is hand the ball to AD and not turn the ball over and Vikings should be pretty lethal.

9. Buffalo Bills- Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

The Bills could use a few more weapons for E.J. Manuel and I think Ebron would be a nice addition.

10. Detroit Lions- Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma St.

Lions could use some help in their secondary and I think Justin Gilbert is a solid pick. He has great size and speed and could potentially provide the Lions with a lockdown CB.

11. Tennessee Titans-Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA

Titans could use some help with their pass rush and Anthony Barr would definitely provide that. Any guy who is 6'5" 255 and converted from Running Back probably would provide a lot of speed and athleticism to their defense.

12. New York Giants- Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

I think the Giants need a lot of help. I think a good start would be drafting this large individual to protect Eli.

13. St. Louis Rams- Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

The Rams still need to protect Sam but I think they can wait until later to do so. They have a need at safety and I think this is a great pick for them. Plus, the guy goes by Ha-Ha. Can't beat that.

14. Chicago Bears- Timmy Jernigan- DT, Florida St.

Da Bears try to get back to their old "monsters of the midway" form and strengthen up their D. This guy would be a nice fit.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Fuller- CB, Virginia Tech

Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu are great but they're getting up there in the age category. Kyle Fuller should give them a youthful spark and help the Steelers get back to their winning ways.

16. Dallas Cowboys- Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt

I think America's team really needs a pass rusher since they've lossed Demarcus Ware to the Broncos. Ideally, I think they would rather have Anthony Barr here but since he's taken, Aaron Donald isn't too shabby of a pick.

Ok, this is taking a lot longer than expected and the Thunder game starts in 25 mins so...i'll just show you my remaining picks. No insight really, just the picks. You all are probably getting tired of reading this anyways...

17. Baltimore Ravens- Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
18. New York Jets- Odell Beckham, WR, LSU
19. Miami Dolphins- Zach Martin, OT, Notre Dame
20. Arizona Cardinals- C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
21. Green Bay Packers- Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio St..
22. Philadelphia Eagles- Marqise Lee, WR, USC
23. Kansas City Chiefs- Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon St.
24. Cincinatti Bengals- Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan St
25. San Diego Chargers-Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio St.
26. Cleveland Browns- Derek Carr, QB Fresno St.
27. New Orleans Saints-Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
28. Carolina Panthers- Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
29. New England Patriots- Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
30. San Francisco 49ers- Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida St.
31. Denver Broncos- Ra'Shede Hageman, DE/DT, Minnesota
32. Seattle Seahawks- Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington

Texas Rangers Off-season/Season Preview

                                                                  

   Welcome back and sorry for the brief hiatus but I'm in blog mode now. As you all know, the epic battle between Auburn and Florida St. took place last night so it's only natural that we discuss.....Texas Rangers Baseball!! See what I did there? Just thought I would throw in some misdirection to keep all you readers on your toes (you readers being my wife, my brother, and my mom more than likely) Still working on getting more of you people to follow along but you have to start somewhere. Rome wasn't built in a day, you know?     Anyways, Texas Rangers..Let's discuss.

   I think the Rangers have made the biggest splash this offseason by trading Ian Kinsler, who I will miss greatly, for Prince Fielder. I've always been a fan of Prince due to him being born the same year as myself, 1984. Isn't that right, mom? Oh and also due to me digging the long ball and Prince has been known to hit his fair share of those. I know most of you Yankee fans will disagree and say that was not the biggest splash this offseason and that Robinson Cano and his new ridiculous mega contract with the Mariners was. Money wise that may be the case but as for making a team a contender, I think the Prince trade puts the Rangers on top of the American League list of World Series contenders. Then add Shin Soo Choo and his gaudy on base percentage and that's just the rich getting richer.

    I know a ton of people will think getting rid of Ian Kinsler was a bad idea, and don't get me wrong, as I said earlier I will miss him greatly. However, I would like to throw some numbers at you and try to turn your frown upside down. Prince is 2 years younger than Ian and games played wise actually has more experience. Since 2006, Ian Kinsler been played in 1,066 games and has miss 230 games due to injury, days off, and other reasons that i'm not aware of, i'm sure. 230 seems like a lot but seeing as they play 162 games a season you could give the guy a break. Prince, on the other hand, has played in 1,322 games since 2006 while having missed only 13 games. That is not Cal Ripken Jr. Streak but is still very impressive this day in age. As for career statistics, Prince actually has a higher career batting average at .286 compared to Ian's .273 and as for on-base percentage you would think Ian would have the advantage but Prince actually has him beat there too with a career OBP of .389 to Ian's .349. Home runs and slugging percentage obviously goes to Prince. The guy has 285 home runs and is the same age as me and I still think of myself fairly young. Which, by the way, I have zero career home runs despite some solid home run derby performances at the old Rush Springs softball fields. I have the power but the teams in MLB just won't take a chance on me. That was me joking, by the way. Ian obviously has way more stolen bases than Prince. Prince, bless his heart, just wasn't blessed with speed. I know firsthand because I suffer from the lack of it as well. 

   Well, let's wrap this up. Another great addition to the Roster is Shin Soo Choo. He isn't flashy and won't get you 50 hrs or anything like that but the guy gets on base. His on-base percentage was .423 which was the 4th highest in baseball last year behind Miguel Cabrera, Mike Trout, and Joey Votto, which is pretty impressive company. Anyways, I look for a big year from the Texas Rangers in 2014. Thank you for reading and please continue to follow my blog. I'll try my best to please you readers. God bless. 

Game Recap 12.21.2013

Thunder 113, Spurs 100

Box Score

  I mean, I'm not sure the Thunder will ever lose again. Looks like 78-4 is locked up. My expectations aren't extremely high, but if we ever  lose again I'm switching teams. Obviously, I'm kidding but right now is a great time to be a Thunder fan. They will lose again, they will lose probably at least 15 more times, but this is definitely the best te we have seen in OKC. Russ and KD are better than ever. Serge is a monster, Reggie Jackson is playing himself into a major payday. Lamb is shooting better than expected and Nick Collison is Nick Collison. They're playing together as a team and trusting each other. KD had 19 points last night, and the team still ended up with 113. If that doesn't send the rest of the league into the fetal position, I'm not sure what will. Once again, Russ was the best player on the floor. He had 31 points on 13 of 22 shooting, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds. Serge Ibaka put up 14 points and 14 rebounds for his 13th double double of the season. He had 15 double doubles all of last season. He's a grown man. Reggie Jackson was unstoppable again, he had 21 points on 8-14 shooting. 

  Pretty sure Sam Presti goes home every night and does this.

Snippets (I'm using the word whether you like it or not.)

• Thunder won the game during the second quarter where they had 40 points on a crazy 16-23 from the field....against the second ranked defense in the league.
• KD had 18-5-3-2(Pts, Reb, ast, stls). One of the worst games of the season for him, and that's a good night for actual humans. And a great MONTH for Kendrick Perkins.
• Boris Diaw couldn't wait to get home to eat chocolate cake.
• Kawhi Leonard was out this game, but I don't think he makes up a 13 point difference. Especially considering he guards KD and KD had an off night anyways.
• The Thunder have the best record in the NBA. Thats really fun to say.
• Tonights "Lol WTF" moment wasn't really "lol" as much as just "WTF", but after scrambling for a rebound it appeared Thiago Splitter hit Stephen Adams with a low blow. All men's reaction to that? WTF dude. Heres the gif, watch the far left.

Next up: Tonight vs Raptors at the Peake

Thunder Game Recap 12.19.2013

Thunder 107, Bulls 95

 Box Score

   Once again a game where there was never a doubt in my mind. Even when the Bulls cut it to three at halftime, I knew it was an easy win. The effort was uninspired pretty much all night, and you can't blame them. Playing a Bulls team without Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, and I guess ill count Kirk Hinrich, I could see it being tough to get pumped about. KD put up 32 points on 13-20 shooting (including 4-5 from deep) , 9 rebounds, and 6 assists with relative ease.  Russ had 21 points and 10 assists for his fourth straight double double and sixth in last seven games. The dude is on a roll, and when he puts emphasis on passing, the Thunder are 99.9% unstoppable. Serge Ibaka had his worst game of the season, only having 5 points, 3 boards, 3 blocks. But, I think he had the play of the night when he blocked Joakim Noah twice, leading to a transition KD three. I channeled my inner Derek Fisher and high fived myself after that one. Reggie Jackson was a world destroyer. He had 18 points on 8-12 shooting, with 15 of those coming in the first half. I love seeing him do good, but I'm getting nervous about his future with the team. He could be the next James Harden. *sigh* It's a shame for Sam Presti that he's so good at drafting players, that they get too good and he has to trade them. Then crazy people like Bill Simmons criticizes him for years about breaking up a dynasty. I could go on about this,  but I'll save it for a different post. 

  Snippets (is that a word? I just made it one. In my head, it means small pieces) from last night.

• Biggest suprise is the Thunder held Michael Jordan to 0 points. Quite an accomplishment.
• But.... that guy above had 23 points and 12 boards.
• Speaking of Noah, I feel like him and Britney Griner are long lost brother and sister
• Soon, the NBA will make a rule forcing Kevin Durant to shoot only from halfcourt. Then, he only gets 1 point every time he makes it, they have to level the playing field somehow.
• Sources tell me Jeremy Lamb's head hasn't grown since he was six months old.
• A Russ and KD fastbreak is the basketball equivalent of bacon.
• Check Darnell Mayberry of the Daily Oklahoman's nuggets about the incident after the game.
• Tonights "Lol WTF" moment of the game goes to Joakim Noah for his jumpshot. I know that should be moment (s) but it absolutely has to win.

Next up: Saturday vs The Spurs in San Antonio

Braves Offseason

Braves Offseason Update

  If you're a true Braves fan, the picture aboves cuts deep. It hurts. Not only do we have to watch Brian McCann with another team, that team is the dreadful Yankees. The Yankees are the Nickelback of the MLB. The casual fans love them, but people that pay attention,  know they're worse than Cruela De Vil.  McCann has been with the Braves since his rookie season, and has been their catcher ever since. Now we can't like him, its against the rules.  So, to me, he is now Brian McCannot. What an awful joke. Oh well let's talk about some pieces the Braves have added.

  I came into the offseason hoping for 3 things: lefty hitting second baseman, ACE starting pitcher, and a catcher. Looks like I won't get any of them so, happy offseason to me.

  Last week they signed 1B/3B Mat Gamel. Gamel is a 28 year old failed prospect coming off two ACL surgeries. With that said, his last full season with AAA Nashville, the dude went for .310 average, 28 bombs, and 96 rbi. So, the talent is definitely there, the Braves just have to hope it translates to the majors. Also, obviously have to hope for a full recovery as well. With the two knee surgeries his defense might be lacking at 3rd base. But with Andrelton Simmons next to him, they can probably get away with playing him there when Chris Johnson needs a day off. Low risk move and has the potential to pay off big time.

  Yesterday, it was announced that the Braves have traded minor league lefty Sean Gilmartin for Ryan Doumit. What a trade right? Doumit will likely be a pinch hitter and 3rd catcher. He is a switch hitter, but likely will be used mostly from the left side.  He hit .229 vs righties last year with 12 Home Runs in 340 at bats. On the season, he hit .247 with 14 Home Runs and 55 rbis. Safe to say this isn't the catcher I was hoping for. Losing Sean Gilmartin isn't going to hurt anything though. Yes, he was a 1st round pick, but last season in AAA he had a 5.74 ERA and 3.3 BB/9. That is not good for a soft throwing lefty.

  The biggest pickup of the Braves offseason so far is....wait for it....Gavin Floyd. Definition of ace pitcher, wait no that's wrong. He's coming off Tommy John surgery and only threw 24 innings Last season.  I'm dogging him, but I actually kind of like the pick up. Just not the ace I was hoping for, but as the number 5 pitcher, I expect him to be solid. His last full season in 2012, he sported a 4.29 era with US Cellular field. Widely known as a hitters park. So being in spacious Turner Field should help his numbers.  The real bright spot in the 9.2 K/9, but he had a 4.4 BB/9. But the Braves pitching coaches work wonders with strikeout pitchers. Craig Kimbrel, Jordan Walden, Julio Teheran are all examples of pitchers that the walks dropped and the strikeouts rose when joining the major league team. 

  The offseason isn't over yet, and I expect the Braves will make some more moves, but good chance it won't be anything major.

NFL Week 15 Recap

NFL Week 15 Recap

Hi there, this is my first contribution to our little blogosphere of sports so please, be gentle. As you have all read, my brother has been keeping you updated on thunder, so i'm going to talk some football! I will start with my, as mentioned above, recap of week 15..

Let's start with "America's team" the Dallas Cowboys as they, more than likely, head to another post season collapse.  Sunday, they blew a 23 point lead and lost to the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers. Who were led by...Matt Flynn? Yes. The same Matt Flynn who was released by the QB deprived Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills? Yes, that Matt Flynn. I'm aware of how shocking that sounds. Dez Bryant apparently realized how depressing that was too as he left early for the locker room in tears.

In other news, Jamaal Charles is pretty fast. I would like to thank him, the only thing good that has come from the University of Texas, and the Chiefs screen game as he pretty much single handedly led my fantasy team to the Super Bowl. They also move back into a tie with Denver for first place in the AFC west after Denver's Thursday loss to the Chargers.

The Rams continue to surpise me with their ability to beat good teams and lose to crappy ones as they man handled the Saints. Rams are also making out like bandits from the trade that landed RG3 in Washington. He is riding the bench while his team collapses and Rams get their first round pick(currently second pick overall).

Well, i'm sure I may be missing out on some other news but those are just my takes from week 15. If you would like to check out other scores, here is the link.
http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/scoreboard?date=20131211&groupId=9