Look, it’s OK see without Russ: Thunder in Manchester
Oklahoma City Thunder have had the extra time in Manchester to enjoy their surroundings and what the city has to offer, but now is the time to step things up, especially with the loss of Russell Westbrook for a second time in a calendar year.
Westbrook hasn’t travelled with Thunder for their NBA Global Games trip, but what it will allow for is the chance for some other stars such as Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb to once again rise to the challenge of replacing the efforts of OKC’s second in command when it comes to points on the board.
Thabo Sefolosha says despite the opportunity, his colleagues need to work just as much together as a unit: “The main thing is to keep focusing on the team, you can be selfish and say it’s my chance to score fifteen points in a game. Everyone’s got to have the right mindset, but obviously losing a player like Russell is a big blow, everyone’s got to step up and do the small things more, he’s the type of guy who brings a lot of energy defensively, so everybody has to step up on that aspect.
The shooting guard hadn’t heard from Westbrook during their European jaunt however the signs ahead of the trip were positive: “Before we left we had some news so he’s doing good, but we all wish him the best recovery and look towards seeing him when we get back.”
The main attraction for many in this NBA Global Games event is nearly-man Kevin Durant.
Having lost out to Miami two years ago, and the defeat to Memphis in the playoffs back in May, can this Thunder side prevent the Heat from the ‘three-peat’?
“We know that there will be tough days, and maybe even a tough year but we just got to keep pushing,” said the small forward. “We know why we’re here, to bond as a team and get things right on the floor.”
Of course, Durant was a member of the gold medal winning USA team in last summer’s London 2012 Olympics, and played out of the same venue in a warm-up against the hosts: “It’s great being back here, playing in this arena as I did last summer and have a lot of good memories, it’s exciting to be back and I know the fans will come out and support us.
“The fans last year were unbelievable; we played the Great Britain team so they came out to support them.”
Another man who made waves over here and is part of the OKC team on their trip is Serge Ibaka.
He came over back in July to promote the game and also attend NBA 3X, held at the home of Manchester City, the Etihad Stadium. There he witnessed a huge dunk by local star Nathan Schall. Captured by UKAmericanSportsFans.com, the video went viral in hours, with the NBA, and Ibaka himself, retweeting the moment.
Speaking of his return to the city and what he expects the home crowd to be like, the Spanish-Congolese forward said: “It’s great to be back here, I’m so happy to be back. I’m excited for tomorrow and I know that the fans will go crazy.”
