SPORTS BUZZ
Thunder prepare regular season closing statements
SPORTS BUZZ
Thunder prepare regular season closing statements
By Michael Kinney
OKLAHOMA CITY – Russell Westbrook really doesn ’ t like to talk about his triple doubles . Whether the Oklahoma City point guard is being modest or just rather focus on the team , he won ’ t elaborate in how much his triple doubles are affecting his team ’ s success .
However , midway through the Thunder had amassed an amazing record of 26-6 when Westbrook reached triple double status .
So while Westbrook doesn ’ t want to talk about it , his teammates had no issues with detailing what it means to be part of Westbrook ’ s rise up the record books .
“ It doesn ’ t surprise any of us in this locker room ,” Thunder guard Victor Oladipo said . “ But it ’ s still historic , man . It ’ s unbelievable . I ’ m honored to be able to play alongside him .”
As the Thunder enter the final month of the regular season , Westbrook sits in second place on the all-time record for most triple doubles in a
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season . Oscar Robertson leads the way with 41 . Westbrook had 32 as late as March 13 .
The watch on whether Westbrook can break the record is one of the major these in the NBA in the final weeks of the season .
“ It ’ s amazing what he has done ,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said . “ It ’ s like they are historic numbers you are talking about , Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson , two of the greatest players to play the game . They are impactful in the game . And I think when Russell ’ s career is done … he is a guy that you are going to look at and say what he has done throughout his career is historic .”
However , for Westbrook and the rest for the team , solidifying their spot in the postseason is what matters most . The Thunder can land anywhere from fourth place down to eighth , or possibly out of the postseason if they go on an extended losing streak .
At the very best , if Oklahoma City can snag the Northwest Division title from Utah , they ’ d be No . 4 in the Western Conference and host a first round series . It would also keep them away from Golden State , San Antonio and Houston in the opening series .
However , No . 6 , 7 , or 8 would put them straight in front of the three teams Oklahoma City has had the most difficult time facing in the regular season .
Of the seven games the Thunder have in April , three of them are at home . They include Charlotte ( April 2 ), Milwaukee ( April 4 ) and Denver ( April 12 ) in the final contest of the regular season .
But with road games in Memphis , Phoeni , x Denver and Minnesota , Oklahoma City doesn ’ t have a daunting schedule to end with .
For more on your Oklahoma City Thunder , including stats and tickets , visit www . okcthunder . com .
DocFell & Co . JJ ’ s Alley OKC , OK
The Eric Tessmer Band Mercury Lounge Tulsa , OK
Steve Coleman Junior ’ s Supper Club OKC , OK
Grant Peeples W / Terry “ Buffalo ” Ware & Special Guest Annie Oakley Old Church Center Perkins , OK
Red Dirt Rangers Soul City of Tulsa Tulsa , OK
The Grits Soundpony Tulsa , OK
Much Less : Record Release / When the Clock Strikes The Vanguard Tulsa , OK
Jennifer Marriott Band Pepper ’ s Grill Tulsa , OK
Members Only Legends Lounge ( Downstream Casino ) Quapaw , OK
Delorean Echo Ultra Lounge ( Indigo Sky Casino ) Wyandotte , OK
Cheyenne Pitts Val ’ s Restaurant & Pub Altus , OK
April 22 , 2017
Allen Biffle Band Showplace Theatre ( Riverwind Casino ) Norman , OK
Midas 13 Okie Tonk Café Moore , OK
Kelli Lynn & the Skilletlickers Red Brick Bar Norman , OK
Chris Botti Chapman Music Hall ( Tulsa PAC ) Tulsa , OK
Sammy Mitchell JJ ’ s Alley OKC , OK
Shawna Russell Cherokee Casino Ramona , OK
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