By Michael Doutey
The season that was born with such optimism and expectation soured as the season matured and has finally come to a despondent end. It has been a long, grueling and frustrating season. This season has been anything but what we expected. The Thunder were supposed to be the NBA’s newest “Super Team” after OKC made huge and unexpected trades to bring in Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. But the Thunder won just one more game than they did a season ago and they went six games deep in the playoffs before bowing out compared to five in 2017.
This team was expected to make a serious run at the NBA Finals. They were anything but a threat once the season unfolded, especially after the Andre Roberson injury. There were lots of frustrating moments from this season. This was probably the first season in OKC history where the team didn’t live up to the preseason hype. And now the Thunder enter into another crucial offseason. What will happen with Paul George’s free agency? What is the future with Billy Donovan? Will Carmelo Anthony be back next year? But before that all begins, here are this seasons last batch of five observations.
1. Donovan Mitchell: the NBA’s Newest Superstar Is Born
Entering the third quarter, the Thunder and Jazz were knotted up 41-41. Ricky Rubio was on the bench for the rest of the game with a hamstring injury. Even though OKC was on the road, OKC should win this game with the Jazz’s point guard unavailable to play. But then a new NBA Superstar was born. Donovan Mitchell, who has been superb in this series, went to another level. A level that truly sunk the Thunder season. Mitchell roasted the Thunder for 22 points in the third quarter, hitting his first 10 shots in the frame. OKC had no answer for the rookie. Stars are born in the NBA all the time, but legends are born in crunch time of the playoffs. Mitchell absolutely took over this game. It was a treat to watch, except all Thunder fans were sick to their stomach watching hopes of a Game 7 in OKC dwindle away after Mitchell hit shot after shot in the second half. What we witnessed tonight from Mitchell was the birth of the next great NBA Superstar.
2. Don’t Hate on the Brodie
People will roast Russell Westbrook over the next couple days for taking 43 shots to score 46 points. Russ even took 19 3s. That’s right, nineteen. I’ve been very critical of Russ this season, more than I ever have, especially in this series. But tonight, my advice to you is not to listen to the garbage and venom that will be used to rip Russell Westbrook. He was phenomenal in this game and he was the only reason that the Thunder even had a shot (and lots of second chances) at the end. Outside of Steven Adams, no one else scored in double figures. Russ was absolute greatness in the second half. Sure, he took way too many 3’s and should/will be criticized for it. But to look simply at the stat sheet doesn’t tell you the whole story. He took a sinking ship, put it on his back and tried to carry them all back to shore. He simply didn’t have enough help tonight. But without Westbrook, OKC loses by 20 at least.
3. Paul George Follows Up Monster Game 5 with Dud in Game 6
The final stat line for PG in possibly his last game in Thunder Blue is not pretty. He scored five points on 2-of-16 shooting, including 0-6 from 3, three rebounds, eight assists and six ugly turnovers. Literally, he went from peak PG in Game 5 to the worst he’s played all season in the biggest stage of the season. He tried to drive early in the game, but he shied away once the game got really physically, especially after two dustups in the second quarter with bully Jae Crowder. But the reason PG was brought in was for moments like today. He came up empty, even avoiding the ball in the second half, completely differing to Westbrook. It was unfortunate the timing for his horrid shooting night since he’s been really good outside of this game in the series.
4. How Did They Not Call This?
So, this didn’t cause the Thunder to lose this game (well, maybe it did) or the series, but the Thunder were down by three while OKC was hoisting 3 after 3 like madmen for what seemed like the last minute of the game. I thought PG was jobbed a little earlier when he was fouled while shooting a 3. But, the refs said it wasn’t in the process of shooting the ball. I disagreed, but I saw their argument. But this no-call was egregious.
Here are two additional angles on Paul George’s 3-point attempt late in the Oklahoma City Thunder-Utah Jazz game. pic.twitter.com/MxuydqnY18
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) April 28, 2018
I mean, how is that not a foul? That is a foul all season long. Heck, I think Russ got the call earlier in the game. But the refs swallowed their whistle in the biggest moment of the whole season. The correct call would have sent PG to the line with the opportunity to tie the game with just over 20 seconds left in the game. My warning to you for your sanity; don’t look at the Last Two Minute Report from tonight’s game.
5. Thank You for Reading This Season
This season we’ve tried to produce more content on social media and our website. I’m so thankful and blessed to have a platform to share my thought’s and opinions with you about the Thunder all season long. Thank you for staying with me all season and reading these articles and watching our videos. I could go into a breakdown of Melo and his minutes from tonight and how the Thunder really were hurt with him on the floor and were immensely helped by Jermai Grant. But, we’ve talked about that all season long. But I wanted to thank everyone here for reading. It’s meant a ton to me and I’m looking forward to more this offseason and next season.
The season has officially come to it’s disappointing and inevitable end. The summer of Paul George’s decision has now commenced.
