I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.
Dear OKC,
We were blessed with the opportunity by @HEB to go to your city for game 7 and… wow.
Transparently, with all the responses we’ve gotten from OKC fans on here, we thought a lot of hate was waiting for us at Paycom but we couldn’t have been more wrong.
99% of your fans were so kind and welcoming, even congratulating each and every one of us after the win. The pregame chant battles were nothing but respectful and filled with friendly banter.
There is a common sentiment that you have some of the loudest fans in the NBA and that might just be true. Every single one of you on your feet the entire game, every single OKC fan in the shirt, and your use of the clappers is impeccable. An hour before tip and the arena was already full. We’re still biased towards San Antonio, but if we’re looking for a second place in crowd environment, you guys are up there.
We know that this will not be the last time we see OKC in a playoff run, I imagine it’ll be a fairly consistent thing, but after 12 games this season, your real fanbase definitely has our respect and we can’t help but tip our hat.
Thank you for being an amazing host to us, we hope all of your players get healthy, and can’t wait for the NBA’s newest big rivalry to continue.
P&L
-S
Well mannered
Competitive
Participates on defense
Respectful
Doesn’t spam 3s
Brought back old school midrange game
No allegations
No drama
Good teammate
I present to you, the most hated man in professional sports
Shai this season:
— 31.1 PPG | 6.6 APG | 66.5 TS%
— Best player on best team
— 2nd in points
— 1st in plus/minus
— All-Star starter
— 1st Team All-NBA
— MVP
All-time season.
Just some random thoughts:
- The Spurs are so good. I think Castle & Harper are stars. I think Vassell and Champagnie are Championship necessary role players. Wemby is Wemby.
- Spurs over the Knicks in 6?
- Injuries suck. They happen. They mattered a lot.
- Chet stuff can’t go ignored. He looked timid this series. I have no words for tonight. idk, man.
- The Shai narrative throughout the Playoffs felt gross. It wasn’t fair to him as a player or as a man, IMO. Honestly shocked how many media members I respect bought into the engagement baiting.
- No doubt in my mind this team is a top tier contender next year.
- So impressed with the character of this team. They could have responded verbally and physically in uNeThiCaL ways. And they didn’t. I like cheering for good dudes.
- Thunder up. Always.
The United States has spent EIGHT TRILLION DOLLARS fighting and policing in the Middle East. Thousands of our Great Soldiers have died or been badly wounded. Millions of people have died on the other side. GOING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST IS THE WORST DECISION EVER MADE.....
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just had one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history.
MVP
Western Conference Finals MVP
Finals MVP
All Star
All NBA 1st Team
Scoring title
68 wins
Hall of Fame lock at 26 years old.