Tuesday Bolts – 1.19.16

Ben Golliver of SI.com gives OKC an A for the first half: “What Durant didn’t really account for in

his explanation, though, was the aesthetic differences between the Warriors, Spurs and Thunder. Golden State and San Antonio rank first and second, respectively, in assist rate, their systems have proven to produce quality shots in the playoffs, and their role players have proven postseason track records. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is just No. 18 in assist rate, and its rotation is stocked with supporting cast members that are wholly lacking in meaningful postseason experience. Durant can’t expect the media to automatically trust so many unproven pieces and he can’t expect anything but doubt at the idea of beating the Warriors and Spurs in a seven-game series while relying heavily on one-on-one play.”

Ethan Strauss of ESPN.com on best player: “He was merely stating what was, at the time, an article of faith within the basketball world: LeBron is the best, and has been the best at least since Kobe Bryant declined. But a mere half-season of basketball has completely shaken that widely subscribed faith. Suddenly, Stephen Curry — current leader in PER, plus-minus and points per game — also leads a charge of superstars challenging this conventional wisdom.”

Zach Lowe of ESPN.com on All-Stars.

Jeff Caplan for FoxSports.com on KD: “Durant almost always has something of value to say. And hopefully he always will. Throughout his career, he has never dodged interview sessions. He talks to reporters, win or lose, and has always been a fixture in front of the media after morning shootarounds when, frankly, few star players actually make themselves available. But with recurring frequency, the lovable, humble Durant — who often reminds these days that he’s matured from the happy-go-lucky kid who entered the league at 19 to a grown man of 27 with unfulfilled goals — snarls at the media horde.”

On Russ and Cam’s pregame dance thing.

Erik Horne on Andre Roberson: “It’s why Roberson’s percentages at the rim are so important. With virtually no mid-range game (only four of his 177 field goal attempts have been from 10-19 feet), Roberson has to excel from close range on putbacks, dunks, and transition buckets. He has, ranking fifth among all guards in field goal percentage within five feet of the basket (63.2). Donovan, however, wants Roberson focused on defense, and he was a catalyst on that end in the Thunder’s three-game homestand. Roberson finished that three-game winning streak with the team’s highest plus/minus (19.7). The team’s best individual defensive rating per 100 possessions in that stretch was 76.1 … with Roberson on the floor. Stretch it out to the Thunder’s last 10 games, only Steven Adams (24.1) has a better net rating than Roberson’s 22.7.”

NBA.com has OKC third: “Andre Roberson still can’t shoot, but Serge Ibaka’s production has picked up a bit and the Thunder’s starting lineup has outscored its opponents by a remarkable 34 points per 100 possessions in 111 minutes in January, a NetRtg more than double that of any other lineup that has played at least 50 minutes this month. They’re taking care of business against a schedule that really won’t get tough until the end of the month.”

Matt Moore of CBSSports.com has OKC fourth: “OKC is now top 10 in offense (2nd) and defense (9th) per 100 possessions. Kevin Durant thinks the media unfairly discounts them from the title race. They beat the Spurs on opening night, lost to the Cavs in December, and haven’t played the Warriors. They face those three teams seven times between March 3rd and April 12. I guess we’ll find out if Durant’s right.”