John Rohde: Thunder players looked like they were 'hit by a Mack truck' late in Game 4 loss

The Oklahoman's Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA beat writer John Rohde answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch chat. Read the entire chat recap here. Participate in our Power Lunch chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. at NewsOK.com/sports

On how much blame coach Scott Brooks should get after OKC's Game 4 loss to the Mavericks:

Some, but not as much as people no doubt will heap on him. Where was Cook is the biggest question. But as far as running plays, getting to the basket late in the game, making wise decisions, that stuff ultimately is up to the players. OKC absolutely froze last night. Forget "deer in the headlights." They were hit by a mack truck. The Thunder had no chance in overtime due to the shock value alone. It's no fun trying to coach a team that's in a self-induced coma.

On what went wrong with Kevin Durant's last-second shot in the fourth quarter of Game 4:

Presumably, it was a pick-and-roll with Westbrook rather than a center so if they doubled Durant, Westbrook would be wide open. Well, Westbrook's screen was pitiful and you wound up with three or four people within about five feet of each other, which made defense extremely easy at that point and Marion stuffed Durant.

On whether the Thunder will be better off in the long run after the Game 4 loss:

Absolutely not. There only silver lining is there is a tomorrow. Last night did not end the season. It might not even be the Thunder's last home game. OKC has a chance to safe face.

On what Russell Westbrook needs to improve in the offseason:

Get rid of the selective tunnel vision.

Page 1 of 2

1 2 Next