It's not glamorous in OK City, you can probably get some chicken fried baloney sandwiches from a guy wearing a zero U hat in the few restaurants that stay open past 8. HOWEVER, their fans and their team show up to rock in a college-like atmosphere. Odom and Artest have yet to show up and this team has no sense of urgency. Even though the Thunder is lacking at center, they have young fast talent to burn. Don't let Durant's skinny frame fool you...he is tough, getting to the line more than anyone since Michael Jordan and making 90% of those free throws. The Lakers need to wake up quickly or they are in trouble. Plus Kobe needs to get out of his physical and mental funk. In OK City, the young team shows up to play, and the fans turn out to cheer, not just to be cool or seen.
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If you wonder why college basketball is sort of a non issue during the regular season, keep in mind Kevin Durant and Bynum of the Lakers would be college seniors if times were like the good old days.
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Jerry Sloan, Nate McMillan and Greg Popovich are 3 of the best coaches in the League. Sloan is missing 2 starters and has his team ahead of a talented Denver team. McMillan has a patched up Red Cross Unit, and his team is still making Phoenix sweat it. As good as Steve Nash is, he puts his team at a distinct disadvantage on defense every night. Thats not a good position in the more half court oriented playoffs. Nate McMillan consistently does a great job. And then there is the old fox, Greg Popovich. He prudently rests his team in the regular season and now they are turning back the clock. Tim Duncan is frisky. Tony Parker seems to have regained his speed and mid range game. Ginoboli is Ginoboli, and Richard Jefferson is coming off a disappointing regular season and delivering difference making performances in the playoffs. They have the chic pick...the Dallas Mavericks, on the ropes. These 3 coaches are in the top 5 in the league. Some would say they are in the top 3.
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