Thursday Bolts – 2.4.16

Anthony Slater: “Back in late October, the game went similarly. Orlando stuck around by scorching

OKC’s defense, but couldn’t pull out the win because of Durant’s and Westbrook’s heroics. That night, Westbrook hit a 40-foot bank shot to send it to overtime, and the Thunder wound up winning 139-136. Westbrook finished with 43 points, Durant with 41. In total, Westbrook compiled 72 points, 30 rebounds and 22 assists against the Magic in two games this season. Durant compiled 80 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists. Orlando, mercilessly, doesn’t have to face either the rest of the season.”

Jeremias Engelmann of ESPN Insider on overrated players: “When Utah traded Kanter to OKC last February, the Jazz immediately became the NBA’s best defensive team. Meanwhile, the Thunder saw their defensive efficiency decline markedly with Kanter on the floor. They allowed 112 points per 100 possessions when Kanter played, but only 103 points with him sitting. This season, we have basically the same results: The Thunder allow 109 with Kanter and only 101 without him. Despite being 6-foot-11, Kanter is no rim protector, posting one of the 10 worst block rates among players his size in the past six seasons. All of this is reflected in his defensive RPM, which is second worst in the league among centers at -2.88. On the whole, Kanter’s RPM is -2.45, fourth worst among the league’s 77 centers, which makes him more of a problem than a max player.”

The Rockets aren’t trading Dwight Howard so they can re-sign him and then pursue KD. I hate to give the Rockets a tip, but you miiiight want to go ahead with trading Howard if you want KD.

Erik Horne: “Then came a third quarter in which Durant and Donovan angrily battled with officials for foul calls in the first six minutes in which Durant went 1-for-4 with a turnover and even a missed free throw. After the game, Durant laughed about playing with essentially one hand at times. On another night of inconsistent defensive play, the Thunder’s big plays in the last 40 seconds gave Durant enough time to take a bow with that childhood favorite.”

Harrison Barnes isn’t shook by the KD talk.

Dan Devine of BDL: “It made for a fantastically entertaining game and a super-enjoyable sequel to their October double-overtime thriller, but it also left you wondering: If Oladipo, Mario Hezonja and the sputtering Magic can roast the Thunder defense for the better part of four quarters, then what the heck will Stephen Curry, fresh off a 51-point explosion, and the 45-4 Golden State Warriors do to it when the two Western titans square off on Saturday? Between you and me, I’m kind of hoping the Dubs bring out the flamethrowers, if for no other reason than I’d really like to watch KD and Russ bust out theirs, too; as Wednesday night reminded us, when they crank up the heat, there aren’t too many opponents in the league that can handle it.”

If you missed it, Durant says he’s not distracted by the free agency chatter.

James Herbert of CBSSports.com: “1) I love that the Thunder didn’t call timeout after that huge block from Serge Ibaka. When you have guys like Durant and Russell Westbrook (24 points, 19 rebounds, 14 assists Wednesday) on the team, why give the Magic a chance to set their defense? 2) Imagine being Tobias Harris in that situation. Game tied, Durant coming at you. What a helpless feeling. 3) Did … did Dion Waiters call for the ball?”