NBA Chat With Susan Bible 5/26/12

Please join Susan Bible for her NBA Chat each Saturday at 11:00 am EST. Susan is a Newlines Editor and a member of the fantasy team at HOOPSWORLD. She covers the Oklahoma City Thunder and the NBA at large. Drop in your questions now.

  1. Justin

    1. How come OKC wins even though their assist and/or rebounds are lesser than LA in the series?

    2. Assuming OKC gets past LA, how many games do you think will SA-OKC go in their matchup? Me thinks it’ll be a bloody 7 game matchup

    • Susan Bible

      1) The easy answer is the Thunder’s ability to close out games and (obviously) the fact that they scored more points: Thunder scored 501 points vs. Lakers’ 454 points.

      Game 1 OKC wins:
      OKC – 41 rebounds, 20 assists
      Lakers – 43 rebounds, 14 assists

      Game 2 OKC wins:
      OKC – 36 rebounds, 15 assists
      Lakers – 41 rebounds, 11 assists

      Game 3 Lakers win:
      OKC – 37 rebounds, 13 assists
      Lakers – 44 rebounds, 20 assists

      Game 4 OKC wins:
      OKC – 39 rebounds, 16 assists
      Lakers – 43 rebounds, 19 assists

      Game 5 OKC wins:
      OKC – 51 rebounds, 20 assists
      Lakers – 35 rebounds, 12 assists

      Let’s tally: OKC had 204 rebounds vs. Lakers’ 206
      OKC had 84 assists vs. Lakers’ 76

      So it’s not like the Thunder lost the rebound war by a lot, and they did win in assists.

      2) I hope there’s not much blood (!), but I’ll take a win in seven.

  2. Quan

    Hi Susan, just want to ask your prediction of a Conference finals between Thunder and Spurs (if Thunder gets past Lakers, of course). Which team would won that series?

    • Susan Bible

      Clearly you submitted this question before last Monday night! For awhile, I’ve been saying the Spurs take it in six…..but I’m adding a caveat right now. If the Thunder wins one of the first two games in San Antonio, I’m picking OKC.

  3. Derek

    Here’s what I do with the Lakers
    Trade Pau to the Rockets for Scola and Dragic (S&T)
    Trade Blake and McRoberts to the Bucks for Gooden
    Sign a Vet Point Guard or retain Sessions

    • Susan Bible

      I think it’s safe to say the Lakers do something rather drastic to the roster. Your scenario favors L.A., no doubt; in any case, I think Gasol is gone.

  4. jayjay

    Susan: as the resident OKC expert, would it make sense for OKC to trade Ibaka to Cavs for Tristan Thompson. Ibaka is clearly better, but TT offers a salary that lets them keep Harden, and Cavs get a better, more established player.

    • Susan Bible

      That makes no sense. We’ve got another year before panic sets in about keeping Harden and Ibaka…I just think they’ll find a way (amnesty, go over cap…?)

  5. JP, Hamburg

    Hey Susan, I just thought about one of my favorite “Thunder” players: Jeff Green.
    Have you heard anything about his condition? How is his heart?Will he return to action next season?

    Thank you very much!

    • Susan Bible

      Hi JP! I follow Green on Twitter; he’s quite social but doesn’t talk basketball too much.

      As you know, he was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm last December just one week after signing a one-year $9M deal with the Celtics. He had surgery and the new contract was voided since he obviously failed the physical, so he’s an unrestricted free agent in July. He’s expressed a desire to return to Boston and the feeling may be mutual. Rivers wants him back. Ainge recently said his recovery from surgery is actually ahead of schedule. There’s no official word, but I’d say “probable” for his return to the NBA this season.

      Just last week, he graduated from Georgetown with a degree in English with a minor in Theology. Another cool thing? Kevin Durant dedicated his season to him.

      Personally, it was difficult not to see him in the locker room anymore. He wasn’t the easiest interview in the world, but we had finally reached a comfort zone. I’ve seen Thunder GM Sam Presti speak many times…never have I seen him so upset as when he announced his trade.

  6. Cliff

    Well, it’s finally here! The Spurs and the Thunder in the WCF!!!

    I love the Thunder’s attitude and style, and the Spurs are due to lose a game (or two, they can’t keep this up forever!) but I still feel the Thunder are one more play-off loss away from making it to the finals.

    You might be too young to remember this, but the Piston’s teams of the 80′s had a similar hurdle to clear, the Larry Bird lead Boston Celtics. It took them (the Pistons) several years to get “over the hump” even though on paper they probably had the better team. SA comes in loaded with talent, easily ten deep, and years of play-off experience. OKC is very, very good, but I feel play-off experience is the deciding factor in this one? Thoughts? (yes,I get a big wordy!!)

    • Susan Bible

      I’m accused of being wordy all the time, so I can relate! If we subscribe to “it’s a process..must make steps” (which I do), the Thunder should get to the Finals. But we know it doesn’t always work that way. I do believe they have good playoff experience now under their belt (not Spurs-level, of course), they have a good mix of veteran voices, they’ve committed to defense, the offensive talent is crazy-good…I could go on and on. Bottom line, I think they can do it if everything aligns just right, but the Spurs are seriously good. I like how OKC has figured out how to close games when maybe it doesn’t seem so close until the fourth quarter. Can’t wait ’til tomorrow!

  7. Daryl D

    What do you think of this draft day trade? It works on nba trade machine. Can Orlando find a better deal in your estimation? Is this enough for NOLA? They save cash$$ while getting decent talent back

    Miami HEAT get: D. Howard, H. Turkoglu, Chris Duhon, Q. Richardson, Earl Clark, J. Harper

    Orlando Magic get: Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza, Jarrett Jack, U. Haslem, S. Battier, Chris Bosh

    New Orleans Hornets get: Glen Davis, M. Chalmers, Joel Anthony, Norris Cole, rights to MIA’s late 1st rounder

    • Susan Bible

      Wow – that’s quite a scenario. Have to say, I need more time than just a couple minutes to check all of that out. It’s not my strong suit to review and pronounce it works or doesn’t so quick. On its surface though, it looks good.

  8. Kahari

    Hey Susan!! If my favorite player of all-time which is Allen iverson was able to come back to the NBA, which team will be best suited for iverson and his talents in your opinion, if you were either a gm,owner, or coach in the NBA?!keep up the good work Susan! Go thunder!!

    • Susan Bible

      Did you catch Iverson delivering the game ball at the Sixers/Celtics game a couple days ago? I actually found it pretty sad. Dude wants to return to the NBA so badly, and even said as much in those words. At 36 years old and a recent injury history (not to mention the off-court issues), he hasn’t played in an NBA game in well over two years (on 2/20/10 for the Sixers).

      I’ve been an AI fan since back in the day, but I just can’t see a return to the NBA. An overseas return is more likely. He’s got a huge fan base in China and I understand a couple teams have recently reached out to him.

  9. Chris

    Hi Susan. With Tim Duncan perhaps two series away from his 5th ring, why is no one talking about him as the GOAT or even the greatest player of his era? I know Kobe is MJ’s ‘Rupert Pupkin’ (“King of Comedy”), but Duncan deserves some respect.

    • Susan Bible

      Let’s pause for a moment and give Duncan his due. In his 15-year career – all with the Spurs – he has averaged 20.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, .507 in field goal percentage and even kicks in 3.1 in assists. He’s a 13-time All-Star, two-time MVP and has four championship rings (with three Finals MVPs).

      I love his story: Duncan was a swimmer with Olympic aspirations until Hurricane Hugo wiped out the only Olympic-sized pool in his native St. Croix, which led to basketball – he didn’t even start playing until 9th grade. He averaged a double-double in four years at Wake College; I think he has a psychology degree.

      To me, Duncan is the greatest power forward in the game. He’s a quiet leader, stays out of trouble and is a great teammate. And obviously loyal.

      Because the Spurs run so far under the radar, it seems he does, too.

  10. calvinzero

    What is the strength and weakness of OKC against the Spurs in the WCF series?

    • Susan Bible

      Strength for OKC: youth/running/fresh legs, Durant/clutch, ability to close out, surge of confidence, playoff turnovers down, defense, free throws/%, fast breaks
      Weakness for OKC: inexperience, slow set-up defense, Perk less than 100%, open-court passing
      Strength for Spurs: Popovich, experience. consistency, momentum, perimeter shooters, passing options, threes/%, bench
      Weakness for Spurs: stopping fast breaks, how hard Duncan is going to have to work, legs/age, ability to guard weak side man, offensive boards
      Biggest strength of all? Spurs home-court advantage

  11. Alex in Burbank

    Hi Susan, congratulations on the your Thunder beating my Lakers. When ever the Lakers lose it makes me feel like crap. Even though the Thunder took us out in 5, I can’t help but think that we could have just as easily been up 3-2. But I will swallow my pride and admit that the best team won. So here’s my question. Without your heart clouding your judgement, can OKC beat SA? I used to think the Lakers would be champs but I guess my heart clouded the crap out of my judgement. I’ll go cry now until next year. Good luck with SA. I would root for you but I just can’t stand Westbrook. Sorry! :(

    • Susan Bible

      I’m afraid the Thunder can’t get past the Spurs this year if they lose the first two games. Still nervous even in that scenario. I have great respect for the Spurs. Always have.

      Too bad your admiration for Durant, Harden, Ibaka, etc. can’t outweigh whatever you feel for Westbrook. He’s really a great teammate, player and guy.

  12. Deven

    Would you be stunned if OKC got swept by SAS? I would be too.

    • Susan Bible

      Swept? For sure. Just can’t see that happening.

  13. BlazerBryant

    Hey Susan,
    the few 76′s games I’ve seen this year i have really liked Spencer Hawes, would he be a good option for the blazers to get as their starter next season? p.s it still hurts to see how good K.D is and to see how much of a whiner G.O is :(

    • Susan Bible

      I feel your pain about Durant/Oden, Blazer.

      Hawes has turned more than a few heads this season with these career-high averages: 7.3 rebounds, field goal percentage (.489), free throw percentage (.727), block (1.3), assists (2.6) and PER (18.1) in just 24.9 minutes. I could see a free agent Hawes fitting in with his up-tempo game.

  14. Hoopsfreak!

    hey Susan! Greetings from down under again, thanks for answering my question a few weeks back..

    Now onto business.. Im so happy that the Thunder have finally got ridden of those rotten lakers, only to now be a little disheartend because we have to play the very very classy Spurs.
    What was the season series between the two this year? And do you think the Thunder have a real legit shot at passing these imposing Spurs?
    Personally i think the Spurs in 6, i just can’t see the young boys gettin over the old ‘done-it-all-before” boys.. also looking forward to seeing Westbrook-Parker going tit for tat!!
    Thanks for your time :)

    • Susan Bible

      Glad you stopped by again. The Thunder are 1-2 vs. the Spurs in the regular season:
      Jan 8th – Thunder won 108-96 at OKC Key fact? This was the Spurs last game of a back-to-back-to-back. Parker scored four points.
      Feb 4th – Thunder lost 96-107 at San Antonio Key fact: Parker scored a season-high 42 points.
      March 16 – Thunder lost 105-114 at OKC Key fact: OKC roared back but Green’s threes did them in.

      Huge key fact? Ginobili didn’t play in any of those games. Interesting Fact? Spurs haven’t gone against OKC with Fisher yet. Not that I think it’s huge, but interesting.

      As you can see, it’s been well over two months since the two played. Spurs have won 18 straight (28 of 30, in fact) and have swept in the playoffs so far. Can you say “on a roll?” But keep in mind the Spurs tackled Utah and the banged-up Clippers, while the Thunder got by the Mavs and Lakers. But we can’t forget the Thunder are 2-8 vs. the Spurs over the past three years…and OKC lost those last eight by an average of 9.6 points. However, this is a better Thunder team that seems to be improving by the day.

      Other thoughts: The Parker/Westbrook match-up is going to be key in the series. I don’t think San Antonio has a legitimate answer for Durant. Perkins isn’t 100%. Pop is a genius.

      I’m on record as saying the Spurs win in six, but like I said, now I’m throwing in a disclaimer if OKC wins one of the first two. Had they been able to hold on to that top spot and kept the home-court advantage, I think they win it.

  15. ken

    hi susan! love ur chats. well this is not a playoff related question but I want to know who is in charge of your hoopsworld ios app? it badly needs updates and has a number of bugs.

    • Susan Bible

      I haven’t seen the problem you raise, but the higher-ups will read this (hopefully!) and perhaps investigate.

  16. jack

    Hey Susan, I just don’t get why everyone is on the Spurs bandwagon. The Thunder are younger (and more athletic), they’re better scorers, and play better defense. They should be favored in this series. P.S., I was the guy who downloaded “doodle jump” instead of KD’s game-winning shot.

    • Susan Bible

      LOL! The reason the majority of folks are picking the Spurs: Gregg Popovich, Duncan is playing like he’s six years younger, so many offensive threats, 18 straight wins, consistent play, Parker.
      If the Thunder can come out of the gates with a Game 1 win, I think it damages the Spurs’ momentum and confidence.

  17. Jeff

    OKC/Spurs should be great. Would OKC be better/worse if Maynor was healthy as opposed to using Fisher?

    • Susan Bible

      Better. Maynor is ideal at running the second unit with calm precision. A real bummer when he went down.

  18. keo

    I hope to see Jeff green back with my celtics , my question is is he more suited for a small forward than a pf…I think he would be more effective as a sf cuz of his size

    • Susan Bible

      Yes, I’ve always thought that, too. He’s quick, but defending opposing PFs has always been a problem.

  19. chris

    Hi Susan, great chats!! I’m unfortunately (lately) a Pistons fan. Do you think Frank is the right man for the coaching position? What can they do to become relevant again?