Thunder vs. Nuggets post-game wrap


Posted January 20, 2011 by John Rohde Comment on this article Leave a comment

John Rohde’s observations from Denver’s 112-107 victory over the Thunder on Wednesday night:

* Though he scored 35 points, Denver forward Carmelo Anthony was still greeted with a mix of cheers and boos during post-game interview on the court afterward inside the Pepsi Center. Anthony smiled through it all and didn’t slap a single high-five while exiting through a tunnel.

Anthony clearly wants out of Denver and the feeling appears to be mutual. The trade rumors have worn everybody slick.

* As if the Thunder didn’t already feel bad enough losing, Anthony entered the game averaging 16.2 points and shooting 41.1 percent in the previous five games.

* Speaking of high-fives, some overexcited Denver fans stuck out their hands for a high-five from the referees at halftime. A good ploy to try and get the refs on your side, I suppose, but who would want to high-five a ref?

* A snowstorm hit the area in mid-afternoon and only 6,000 fans were able to make it for the opening tip, but that number had grown to roughly 14,000 midway through the second quarter.

* Kevin Durant’s last field goal came with 9:17 left in the third quarter and gave OKC a 65-59 lead. He missed his last eight attempts and finished 6 for 18.

* Russell Westbrook had a flawless third quarter with 14 points (4 for 4 from the field; 6 for 6 from the line; zero turnovers). He had eight assists in the first half and second in the second half, thanks to his teammates shooting a combined 9 for 27 (.333) from the field after intermission.

* Durant and Jeff Green have yet to win in Denver since turning pro four years ago. They are 0-2 with Seattle and 0-4 with the Thunder.

* After shooting just 2 for 22 (.091)  from 3-point range Monday against the Lakers in Los Angeles, the Thunder opened 0 for 6 against the Nuggets beyond the arc and finished 3 for 15 (.200). “We usually don’t take that many 3-pointers,” OKC coach Scott Brooks said after the 101-94 loss against the Lakers, “and I know we usually don’t miss that many shots.”

All this comes after shooting 50 percent (7 for 14) against Orlando last Thursday.

* James Harden has made just four of his last 22 (.182) 3-point attempts and Durant has made one of his last 11 (.091).

* The Thunder got a nice lift off the bench from Serge Ibaka (16 points, 7 for 10 from the field and nine rebounds), Nick Collison (six points and nine rebounds) and Eric Maynor (seven points and four assists). “I thought Serge was terrific and Nick was Nick,” Brooks said.

Page 1 of 2




Smiley face
SPORTS SENIOR REPORTER
 |   | 

John Rohde joined The Oklahoman staff in January of 1987 as a sports columnist. He has covered all college sports, plus the Texas Rangers,...


Advertisement


VIDEOS FROM NBA TV



Buy Tickets View all



Division Standings

OKC Thunder Team Leaders

OKC Thunder Offensive Stats

OKC Thunder Defensive Stats

OKC Thunder Schedule & Results