NBA Playoffs: Scott Brooks criticizes Thunder and himself
The Oklahoma City Thunder collapsed in game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs, falling to 2-0 in their series after an embarrassing 35-point defeat. After the game Thunder’s head coach Scott Brooks wasn’t able to commend either his team’s effort or his own performance.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook both struggled mightily, combining for 13-40 shooting from the field and scoring just 15 points each. Defensively the Thunder had no control over Danny Green, who exploded for 21 points, hitting seven of his 10 three-point attempts.
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What is interesting is the fact that Brooks has acknowledged his own shortcomings, with many critics having already voiced their disapproval of his inability to make timely lineup adjustments.
The Spurs took care of home-court advantage, and the pressure is now on the Thunder to win the next two games at home. From what we’ve seen in the first two games it’s unlikely to be an easy task. With Serge Ibaka done for the season, the Thunder have been at a loss, especially defensively. Prior to their game 2 perimeter onslaught, the Spurs exploited Thunder’s lack of a rim protector, scoring at will in the paint in the opening game of the series.
Coming off a frustrating loss like this will test the Thunder’s character and it will be up to Brooks to make the necessary adjustments.