Story Created:
Nov 23, 2009 at 4:09 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 25, 2009 at 2:27 PM CDT
The scheduling gauntlet ends tomorrow for the
Thunder. When Oklahoma City squares off with Utah at Salt Lake City's Energy Solutions Arena it will be it's seventh road game in a nine game stretch, it's eighth game away from home in eleven.
To their credit the 7-7 Thunder have managed to generate their share of successes through the minefield to sit at .500 fourteen games into the season. A victory over the 7-6 Jazz tomorrow night would do wonders for this young team's psyche entering the Thanksgiving holiday. It would nudge them a game over break even, provide them with a winning road mark at 5-4 and have the turkey and fixins tasting a whole lot better realizing that they begin a season-long five game home stand Friday night against Milwaukee at the Ford Center.
One of the wonders of the marathon 82 game NBA regular season is experiencing the ebb and flow of player development and how injuries impact playing time and the rotation that head coach Scott Brooks finds himself managing.
For example, last night in Los Angeles reserve power forward
Nick Collison's right knee stiffened up on him in warm-ups and it was decided that he'd sit against the Lakers. That created the chance for 20 year old rookie
Serge Ibaka to log a season high 32 minutes of playing in which he brought big time noise as in 11 points, 13 rebounds (7 of which were offensive retrievals) and 5 resounding blocked shots. Ibaka is an intriguing blossoming talent. He is a live wire at 6-10, 235.
Serge is extremely active with long athleticism and defensive instincts that have the OKC coaching staff excited. He competes on every play and is more skilled offensively than expected. His favorite player growing up in the Republic of Congo was Kevin Garnett and he patterns his game after KG. Ibaka is one to watch as this season unfolds. His teammates love playing with him. He's a sponge when it comes to absorbing every ounce of coaching that he receives. And he approaches the opportunity to be in the NBA with a grateful humility that is refreshing to see. As one of 17 siblings he grew up in meager conditions and frequently used cardboard to replace holes in his sneakers when playing basketball growing up. He's a player to root for no doubt. One that, I'm betting, will have a fan club emerge at the Ford Center.
The Thunder's first month start hasn't gone unnoticed by fans and by the national media. For the second time early this season Oklahoma City has been voted in by pro basketball fans as the team they want to see on the NBA-TV Game of the Week tomorrow night against the Jazz.
And Friday night at the Ford Center, when the Thunder collide with the surprising 8-3 Milwaukee Bucks ESPN will televise the game nationally. That match-up will feature Bucks rookie sensation
Brandon Jennings and sharp-shooting
Michael Redd against athletic Thunder point guard
Russell Westbrook and the scoring prowess of
Kevin Durant.
It will be a fun, festive night. Keep in mind ESPN's presence in the building triggers a later start time. The Thunder and Bucks won't tip until 8:30pm on Friday!
