October 23, 2021 Issue, Page 4 of 10

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October 23, 2021 THE GRAHAM JAM The Kids Are Alright: Young Thunder Team Opens New Season Wednesday at Utah By Graham Dudley It's that time of year again, with a foot injury, SGA was into a leadership role, and in contention for All-Rookie will be here for the long-term, team. With the NBA's Thunder fans! having his breakout year as Poku continues to show the honors if his season goes as and who can help us cultivate youngest roster, OKC's youth Oh, did you forget when the new face of Thunder bas- flashes that make him so expected. the next era of Thunder bas- will make for must-watch TV the NBA season begins? Can't ketball. He averaged 23.7 intriguing, though he seems to NBA veteran Derrick ketball.’ as they learn, grow and suc- say I blame you. I's been two points and nearly six assists have lost the starting job he Favors is another new face in Presti is already sitting on a ceed together. years since the Thunder actu- per game while shooting filled so often this spring. Oklahoma City, joining the mountain of draft picks he can So join me each week in ally tipped off in October, as is about 42% from behind the But of course, it wouldn't Thunder from Utah via trade. use, trade and develop over your local paper fora recap of typical, and last season was an are. be a new season without In addition to Giddey, OKC the next half-decade to build ihe previous week's highlights, abbreviated 72-game cam- He was rewarded this off- some new players, and the also drafted guard Tre Mann the team he wants. With mar- lowlights and moments that paign that began in season with a five-year, $172 Thunder have some exciting at No. 18, forward Jeremiah quee free agents unlikely to matter. And be sure to sub- December. million contract extension that ones this year. The teenage Robinson-Earl at No. 32 and choose Oklahoma City, Presti scribe to our newsletter for It did not go well. should keep him in OKC for Australian Josh Giddey guard Aaron Wiggins at No. believes this gradual building even more free Thunder con- OKC finished 22-50, years to come. And despite comes to mind first, as OKC 55. process will be the key for tent every week. amassing a 7-29 record after his shortened season, Sports spent a No. 6 overall draft The roster is full of intrigu- sustained success. I can't wait to take this the All-Star break and endur- Illustrated and ESPN ranked pick this summer to bring him ing pieces, but they probably It won't always be pretty, journey with Thunder fans ing the final months without him the No. 30 and No. 36 to the States. don't add up to a contender but this year's squad will lay from across the state, Until its best player, Shai Gilgeous- best player in the game, Giddey is a 6-8 guard right now. OKC general man- the foundation for the next next week, stay safe and Alexander. respectively, this preseason. whose experience has been at ager Sam Presti and head great Thunder — basketball ‘Thunder Up. Are the Thunder going to He's still only 23 years old. the point, though he'll be play- coach Mark Daigneault have turn things around this sea- Other returning players of ing much more off-ball in been up-front this offseason son? The short answer is no, note would include wing Oklahoma City while sharing about their expectations in probably not. But there are Luguentz Dort, forward a backcourt with SGA. When 2021-2022. still plenty of reasons to tune in Wednesday night, and all Darius Bazley and the posi- tionless, inimitable 7-footer the players are staggered, though, expect Giddey to "This year, for us, is about getting a baseline for where Next Game season long. bring the ball up, and keep an Aleksej Pokusevski. Dort has we're at," Presti told the media Let's start with the afore- been shooting the lights out all eye on his insane passing abil- on Sept. 24 before training mentioned Gilgeous- preseason, so expect lots of 3- ity. Giddey had a great presea- camp. "We have a grouping Thunder vs. 76ers: Alexander, or SGA. Before pointers from the Canadian son, and looks like a steal for of young players who will Sunday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m., BSOK his season ended prematurely this year. Bazley has stepped the Thunder at No. 6. He'll be compete to figure out who HERE COME THE Sign Up for your FREE THUNDER weekly THUNDER Newsletter Four downs: Can OSU maintain top-10 status with a win at Iowa State? Hallie Hart, Stillwater ebration — or did the popular it’s been in a while, but OSU against Kansas State. tals of football, but it can be back league.” Utah State trans- NewsPress fictional coach take inspiration has another obstacle ahead. No. 8 OSU is thundering tricky to make everything click fer Jaylen Warren has garnered from Gundy’s signature post- The Cowboys are facing Iowa through tte echedula ‘to held at once, particularly against a nationwide attention after four The whirlwind game in game moves? No matter how State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday a 6-0 record for the first time team like Iowa State. straight games with more than Austin resulted in a historic you look at it, the Cowboys in Ames, and though the Cy- since 2015, but that doesn’t ‘The Cyclones have allowed achievement for the Oklaho- were amped after their gritty clones are unranked, they have mean the Cowboys have se- the fewest rushing and pass- 100 yards on the ground. With ma State football team, heaps win against Texas, defeating put their talent on display this cured their status as a front- ing yards of any Big 12 defense 117.5 yards per game, he ranks of praise for the defense and, that ¢third straight AP top-25 season. runner. This season is unique. this season. Unless you're third in the conference, trailing of course, the return of Mike opponent for the first time in During the past weekend, Gundy described a “tradition- drawing up X’s and O's along- only Robinson and Hall. Gundy's dancing program history, and poll vot- as the Cowboys beat Texas 32- al” top-10 team as a dominant side Dunn, it’s tough to say ex- Although Warren never It’s obviously a good day ers rewarded them with a spot 24, Iowa State leaned on quar- group that can build a com- actly what factor might reveal for the Cowboys when they in the top 10. terback Brock Purdy and run- fortable lead and rely on sec- itself as the secret to offensive scored a touchdown against create a scene reminiscent of ‘The energy level surround- ning back Breece Hall to pave ond-string players during the consistency, but this would be Texas, he powered the offense Ted Lasso’s locker room cel- ing this program is higher than the way to a 33-20 road victory fourth quarter, and this type a critical game for the Cowboys through its fourth-quarter ral- of scenario is currently rare in to find it. ly. He accumulated 193 yards the Big 12. Second down: How will the on 33 carries, and though he “There's not a lot of teams defense handle another dy- OKC Thunder schedule 2021-22: this year that are like that, in- namic tailback? cluding us,” Gundy said. “We're might not — and shouldn't ‘The Big 12’s offensive iden- have to — carry a load this not in that position. We've won tity is built around its standout heavy every game, his role will games different ways this year. rushers. When are the Thunder in action As I mentioned, our maturity be critical against the Cyclones’ Gundy said it's a “running stingy defense. and our experience has helped back league” this year, a de- us in a big way, particularly on parture from previous seasons It's another opportunity Jeff Patterson, The Okla- Saturday, Dec. 18: Clippers at Knicks, 6:30 p.m. defense.” that have revolved around for the three-time Big 12 New- homan at Thunder, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16: Spurs The Cowboys are one of quarterback play. Each week, comer of the Week to impress, Monday, Dec. 20: Thunder at Thunder, 7 p.m. several teams looking to set this presents a new challenge and a fifth consecutive game OKC Thunder schedule at Grizzlies, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24: Suns at themselves apart from other for the Cowboy defense. with more than 100 rushing 2021-22 Wednesday, Dec. 22: Nug- ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. talented Big 12 contenders. During the past weekend, yards would be a way to do it. All games are televised by gets at Thunder, 7 p.m. So are the Cyclones (4-2, 2-1). OSU had to figure out how to Bally Sports Oklahoma, unless ‘Thursday, Dec. 23: Thunder Friday, Feb. 25: Thunder at Let's take a look at four ques- stop Texas sophomore Bijan Even if he doesn’t reach that otherwise noted. at Suns, 8 p.m. Pacers, 6 p.m. tions the Cowboys need to an- Robinson, who leads the league milestone, the Cowboys need Regular season Sunday, Dec. 26: Pelicans at Monday, Feb. 28: Kings at swer this weekend in Ames. with 132 yards per game. Next, the energy he consistently in- Sunday, Oct. 24: 76ers at ‘Thunder, 6 p.m. ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. First down: Will the offense the Cowboys are matching up fuses into the offense. Thunder, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28: Thunder Wednesday, March 2: Thun- put two strong halves togeth- against the conference's sec- Fourth down: How will Ja- Tuesday,Oct. 26: Warriors at Kings, 9 p.m. er? ond-ranked rusher: Iowa State at Thunder,7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29: Thun- der at Nuggets, 8 p.m. Through the first few junior Breece Hall, who aver- son Taylor II manage to get his Wednesday, Oct. 27: Lakers der at Suns, 8 p.m. Friday, March 4: Timber- games, the story of OSU's of- ages 124.7 yards per game. hands on the football next? at Thunder, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31: Knicks at wolves at Thunder, 7 p.m. fense became almost formu- Despite the conference's Jason Taylor II keeps find- Saturday, Oct. 30: Thunder ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 6: Jazz at elite level of rushing talent, the ing ways to make contact with at Warriors, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2: Mavericks ‘Thunder, 6 p.m. Score plenty in the first Cowboys have continued to el- the football. Monday, Nov. 1: Thunder at at Thunder, 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 8: Bucks at half. Slow down in the second, evate their defense. Robinson Clippers, 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5: Thun- Thunder, but with the help of a domi- had three early touchdowns, When the Cowboys faced ‘Thursday, Nov. 4: Thunder der at Timberwolves, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. nant defense, hold on and win but OSU held the Longhorns Tulsa, he returned an intercep- at Lakers, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7: Timber- Wednesday, March 9: Thun- a close matchup. to a single yard in the fourth tion for a touchdown, though Sunday, Nov. 7: Spurs at wolves at Thunder, 7 p.m. der at Timberwolves, 7 p.m. The Cowboys flip-flopped quarter. After another week- it was called back because of a ‘Thunder, 6 p.m. (NBATV) Sunday, Jan. 9: Nuggets at Sunday, March 13: Griz- that pattern against Texas. end of high-caliber defense, defensive holding penalty. On Wednesday, Nov. 10: Thun- Thunder, 6 p.m. zlies at Thunder, 6 p.m. ‘They scored no offensive touch- fans seemed ready to see a Jim der at Pelicans, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11: Thunder Monday, March 14: Hor- Knowles statue take shape out- the blue turf at Boise State, he downs in the first half, instead Friday, Nov. 12: Kings at at Wizards, 6 p.m. relying on field goals and Ja- side Boone Pickens Stadium — blocked a field-goal attempt, ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. ‘Thursday, Jan. 13; Thunder nets at Thunder, 7 p.m. son Taylor II's 85-yard pick-six or at least give the defensive helping OSU hold on for a vic- Sunday, Nov. 14: Nets at at Nets, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16: to stay competitive. Then for coordinator a pay raise. tory. Then in Austin, he had an Thunder, 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15; Cavaliers ‘Thunder at Spurs, 7:30 p.m. the first time this season, OSU When someone asks 85-yard pick-six that counted, Monday, Nov. 15: Heat at at Thunder, 7 p.m. Friday, March 18: Thunder scored in the third quarter, Knowles about the success of ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17: Thunder at Heat, 7 p.m. though the points came froma his defensive schemes, he gives giving the Cowboys their first Wednesday, Nov. 17: Rock- at Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20: Thunder field goal, and vitalized the of- touchdown against Texas. credit to the student-athletes. ets at Thunder, 7 p.m. ‘Wednesday, Jan. 19: Thun- at Magic, 5 p.m. fense in the fourth. ‘They talk about mutual trust. Taylor, a redshirt junior Friday, Nov. 19: Thunder at der at Spurs, 7:30 p.m. Spencer Sanders threw a He has faith that the Cow- safety from Carl Albert High Bucks, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21: Thunder at Monday, March 21: Celtics touchdown pass to Brennan boys can carry out his plans, in Oklahoma, is fun to watch. Saturday, Nov. 20: Thunder Hornets, 6 p.m. at Thunder, 7 p.m. Presley. Sanders scrambled and they carry confidence in You never know how he’s going at Celtics, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan, 22: Thunder Wednesday, March 23: into the end zone to extend his abilities to put them in the Monday, Nov. 22: Thunder at Cavaliers, 7 p.m. Magic at Thunder, 7 p.m. the Cowboys’ lead to 32-24. right situations. to get his hands on the football at Hawks, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26: Bulls next, but he somehow makes it Wednesday, Nov. 24: Jazz at Thunder, Saturday, March 26: Thun- As offensive coordinator Kas- Although OSU's defense at Thunder, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. der at Nuggets, 8 p.m. ey Dunn said, the second half has undoubtedly built some- happen. His role has been es- Friday, Jan. 28: Pacers at Friday, Nov. 26: Wizards at ‘Thunder, Monday, March 28: Thun- looked like a typical first half. thing special, there’s no fool- pecially important since safety ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. OSU has proven it can start proof plan for stopping an ath- Tre Sterling was sidelined with Monday, Jan. 31: Trail der at Trail Blazers, 9 p.m. strong. The Cowboys have also lete as skilled as Hall. Expect a season-ending injury, send- Monday, Nov. 29: Thunder Blazers at Thunder, 7 m. Wednesday, March 30: shown how they can dial up to see a few dazzling rushes at Rockets, 7 p.m. ‘Wednesday, Feb. : Thun- Hawks at Thunder, 7 p.m. their offense late. But how can from the Iowa State star, but ing Taylor into the starting Wednesday, Dec. 1: Rockets der at Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. they put two solid halves to- if the Cowboys remain true to lineup. at Thunder, 7 p.m. Friday, April 1: Pistons at ‘Thursday, Dec. : Thunder TrailFriday, Feb. 4: Thunder at ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. Blazers, 9 p.m. gether? Jaylen Warren’s run game their defensive principles, they It might be a fumble recov- at Grizzlies, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5: Thunder Sunday, April 3: Suns at won't let him run away with ery. It might be an intercep- Monday, Dec. 6: Thunder at at Kings, is a major key. When Warren the game. 9 p.m, ‘Thunder, 6 p.m. barrels ahead for a first down, Third down: Can Jaylen tion. It might be a blocked field Pistons, 6 p.m. (NBATV) Monday, Feb. 7: Warriors at Tuesday, April 5: Trail Blaz~ his energy can spread through- Warren have his fifth game goal, but no matter how Taylor Wednesday, Dec. 8: Thun- ‘Thunder, 7 p.m. ers at Thunder, 7 p.m. out the entire offense. The with 100-plus yards? affects the game, it won't be der at Raptors, 6:30 p.m. ‘Wednesday, Feb. 9: Raptors Cowboys also need accurate If Hall breaks away for a big Friday, Dec. 10: Lakers at at Thunder, Wednesday, April 6: Thun- surprising if he makes at least Thunder, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. der at Jazz, 8 p.m. throws from Sanders, receivers vun, OSU's offense can answer one more momentum-chang- Friday, Feb. 11: Thunder at Sunday, Dec. 12: Mavericks 76ers, Friday, April 8: Thunder at in place to catch those passes with its own speed. ing play this season. 6 p.m. and an offensive line that con- ‘The Cowboys don’t have to ‘The Cowboys could use one at Thunder, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15: Peli- Saturday, Feb. 12: Thunder Lakers, 9:30 p.m. sistently protects its quarter- wonder if they have someone cans at Thunder, 7 p.m. at Bulls, 7 p.m. Sunday, April 10: Thunder back. to keep up with the competi- to maintain their top-10 status Monday, Feb. 14: Thunder at Clippers, TBD These are all fundamen- tion in the so-called “running against Iowa State.