Lighting and Thunder
If one has ever seen a lightning storm, it becomes evident that thunder will be heard about 5 seconds after seeing the flash of light, but lightning and thunder occur at the same time but the difference sensed is because light travels quicker.
With that said, don’t look out the window now but the Oklahoma Thunder are playing the best ball of the season as they gear up for the playoffs and all that defensive work they have put in is starting to pay huge dividends.
Through March 18, Oklahoma has won 9 of 10 games in March and the lone loss by 6 was in a back-to-back situation when missing in Memphis.
In a 5-game stretch from March 11 to the 18th they held opponents to double digits and only one opponent scored more that 90 in that span.
They covered 6 in a row since March 9 and 5 of those games went under.
The main reason why this surprise team of last season will only improve this spring is because the powers that be pulled the trigger and got center Kendrick Perkins. They got him and they signed him to a multiple year deal right away, which puts players, fans and teammates at automatic ease.
He signed a $36 million extension before he played a game for the Thunder.
As for Perkins, the guy is a cornerstone block that can be the main focus of the defense for years to come.
The guy loved playing in Boston, but the confines of Oklahoma are much better for this Texas native.
Besides the championship experience he brings to OKC, he also allows Serge Ibaka to play more a natural spot as the power forward.
That guy has young legs, can block shots and will only improve.
In Perkins’ first game for the Thunder, the rust was obvious but he had 6 points, and 9 boards in only 19 minutes.
Despite fact the Thunder shocked the Heat in the next game, Perkins was in foul trouble and never got going. He did make all 3 of his shots and had 5 off the glass in just 18 minutes.
To prove he already knows his role, Perkins only took one shot against the Bobcats. He made it, blocked 2, and had 9 boards and a steal as he is slowly getting his sea legs under him.
With about a dozen games left to get ready for the playoffs, it sure is ample time for Perkins to not only feel comfortable with the All Stars on this team, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but also get used to Coach Scott Brooks style.
With the emergence of Nick Collison off the bench and the versatile play of James Hardin, there will be nobody in the Association that will want to match up with the Thunder and that includes the defending champs, the Los Angeles Lakers.
So get your popcorn ready, enjoy the rest of March Madness, but have that favorite beverage and easy chair all propped up for what will be one heck of a ride in the NBA playoffs.
