Why You Should Be Excited About the Oklahoma City Thunder | The Ryen Russillo Podcast

[@paulalger10]

OKC are 1st in 3pt percentage but I love how they don't chuck a lot of threes like how most teams in the NBA do

[@allthingsbasketballpodcast]

this is very underrated! shoutout to shai showing that the midrange is as unstoppable as ever with all the space to do it! chet and j dub love some mid range looks as well and getting to the rim!

[@paulalger10]

Shai has definitely influenced some of the guys to take more middys@@allthingsbasketballpodcast

[@bruisermoore]

Quality over quantity for OKC 👍

[@scottburlington6645]

Ouch

[@sbmclain]

first, thats an amazing view. :) I'm a Celtics fan. OKO is tough, great team. Teams around the league are really good this year. all respect.

[@michaelsimpson6745]

Love the stat breakdown on the how Shai is doing this season. I knew he was playing well, but my god. “Because they might be it right now.” Chills. LFG.

[@sitonmuhdeckasshole]

I didn't realize his ws/48 was that good, i look at that number a lot, it's a great stat. He is having an all time season, that's like a number only the jokics and lebrons and mjs of the world hit. Even Bill has had to admit Shae is better than Tatum, and Bill has been overrating Tatum vastly for years. Tatum has never been a top 5 player but only shae hitting this level has got him to finally admit it.

[@anthonyorman596]

Finally getting love again boy Thunder ⚡ fans have been patiently waiting these last 3 to 4 yrs to be back to contenders again and id honestly say 15 was are real last contender so yea where glad to be back playing meaningful basketball knowing we got a team that can legitimately be a top team

[@mattnoonan6519]

OKC has 17 games in January, with 5 back to backs.

[@Yourscaredlol12]

Russillo is 100% correct about the fouls and free throw numbers being skewed. What’s happening is all calls and free throws are going to a select few players or star players at a significantly higher clip while role players can’t get a single call. Watch any bucks, sixers, or lakers game to confirm

[@sergeynazaro1768]

It’s disgusting

[@sammyttheg412]

Cavs got absolutely robbed against the bucks. Giannis got 4 straight complete phantom calls

[@Yourscaredlol12]

@@sammyttheg412 so did the spurs last night… giannis is allowed to play rugby.

[@Jonteponte71]

Jokic should average 10 FT's a game. He averages six and has bloody arms all the time. Not all superstars get the superstar whistle, but in general it is true.

[@FreeBandz658]

@@Jonteponte71in physical sports you get penalised for being stronger than others

[@TheFilmSpace1]

Chet is obviously an All Star

[@JimBob-jr5up]

9 players in nba history have averaged 50 40 90. The players we all consider GOATs, in their primes, the vast majority never hit 50 40 90. Chet is doing it year 1. Fvck All Star, how do we project the 50 40 90? Weve never seen this... what does this develop and translate to when hes 26? Is he going to be some weird, crazy, ultra efficient player weve never seen? Like, is this dude going to some how average 25 points on like, 9 or 10 attempts?

[@withalittlehelpfrom3]

He's behind Wemby in voting as of today.

[@withalittlehelpfrom3]

@@David-iv6je especially ones with a reigning 1st All-NBA player.

[@JimBob-jr5up]

@@David-iv6je Out of curiosity, do you also object to players who have previously been in another professional league being able to get ROTY? The Chet and Wemby ROTY issue highlights an interesting conversation and consistency of applied standards. Is this a touted rule because it defends an already held position, or are we fairly applying the reasoning and concern? If the argument is a player should not be able to recieve ROTY simply because they were injured for their technical 1st season because despite the injury, being paid to rehab and practice is an advantage that say..... a former NCAA player would not have. Then why would it be okay for someone who spent 2 or 3 years, healthy, in a league thats like 50% former NBA players, being paid to work out, practice, train and play at a professional level? Outside of the potential to build relationships and chemistry, the latter should be considered a FAR greater advantage to players who the year before being a rookie, spent 80% of their day on anything but basketball.

[@JimBob-jr5up]

@@David-iv6je I think you unintentionally highlighted another potential issue and kind of why the idea of it simply being a generalized "first year of actually playing" is the best standard. Removing even playing or anything else, could we not make the argument that just being 25 or 27 like Taj Gibson, as a rookie, is a major advantage? At 27 you are significantly better at understanding and interacting with other people and you are making notably better decisions in your life and everything you do, then when you're 19. And that is what i was getting at. If we are going by the reasoning and concept of reducing advantages, we'd just see a laundry list of exclusions. And your post to the other guy, how can you not say the samething about Wemby? While Chet was in 12th grade English class, Wemby was being paid to perfect his game in a professional league, why would we need to say 8 years of this is equal advantage when in reality, 1 year is. But Wemby did it for 3. 2 of those years Chet was spending all day in school, 1 he was injured..... i just cant wrap my head around saying the concern is unfair advantage and understanding how it actually favors Wemby.

[@justindza]

Putting clips of the plays you're talking about is the next big step for the channel.

[@also3254]

Best analysis on basketball out there. Can always count on your insightful knowledge . . . .

[@jobkimani3517]

We love having a young team to root for, Grizzlies had their moment in time, now it's the Thunder's time. Hoping for a relatively injury free season and playoff campaign!!

[@davidmoreno7525]

Love listening to Ryen talk basketball, wish we got even more 👊🏼

[@YoItsDev]

I love the 82 game schedule and hope they never change it. plenty of games to watch every night.

[@k_hack9441]

But if the regular season results don’t translate in playoff ball, a change should be made. The best season was the lockout 2012 yr. 60ish games.

[@tyrrellcayton3609]

One of the things that should be changed, is b2b in different cities. Thunder were delayed getting to Atlanta, and they looked like zombies early in the game. Need to do series like baseball, where the b2b remain in the same city. Also, less wear and tear from playing, flying on a plane, and having to play the next day. They gotta get pretty tight/not have the sleep and recovery they need. Hence, injuries happen, like the magic having 3? people injured on 2nd night of b2b.

[@rickeymickeyii4166]

@@k_hack9441 your opinion.

[@jahcode6132]

The difference between Shai and someone free throw hunting on jump shots like Steph and Harden used to do is that Shai isn't really hunting for fouls, he's just driving to the lane and getting fouled. It makes sense that a guy who's game is built around scoring in the paint as a guard is gonna get to the line a lot.

[@kimtoncoleman8934]

Steph does shoot alot of free throws.

[@kimtoncoleman8934]

Doesn't*

[@Lebronluver321]

He baits alot of fouls from getting defenders in the air or out of position but i agree hes not like harden who would just jump into or flail/grab the defender

[@domingow.17]

Still don't always love the foul calls SGA gets sometimes either. He lowers his shoulder/forearm into defenders then starts flailing when he gets contact in return

[@jvwilli7]

Shai is in fact a sneaky fouls baiter.

[@AlbertoTorres-wl9mt]

This is a great video about the thunder

[@QGuides]

Bring back the old closing music 🙏🏾

[@peterstevens8527]

Ryen appreciates the texts he sends ahaha

[@blueboy1788]

As a Minnesota fan, I actually think I trust our clutch time offense a lot more than our regular offense at the minute. Late in games all season (bar the New York game, where Conley had maybe his worst game of the year), we have been able to get good shots and have won games late running the offense through both Edwards and Towns, I think we're something like 11-2 in close games. It's the other 44 minutes that has been a problem lately, and in particular the first half, with far too many unforced turnovers and hero ball drives.

[@ThunderTalk]

As a thunder fan, Shai should be starting ASG and Chet is DPOY

[@joeldriver-sp2rg]

SGA is better than he has ever been and Jalen Williams also improved fairly dramatically almost playing to an all star level. Then of course you add in Holmgren who is going to win rookie of the year who gives them scoring, rebounding, passing and most importantly a rim protector which they really needed. Any time you have 3 players of this caliber who can all score from anywhere on the court and rarely have off nights you're going to be in pretty much every game.

[@JohnDoe-fy4rc]

I luv the long schedule....i hate when ppl complain about that

[@karlbradley7041]

Why should you be excited about the OKC Thunder? Because they are the most exciting team in the League!! They fight, bite, and battles all 48 minutes. This team is one that you better not blind because you just might miss something! Therefore, get to games early, go to consession, stand for treats, get your seats, and enjoy! Roaring Thunder ❤

[@JASONWILLIAMS-de5tg]

Pretty sure our biggest pickup was Chip Engelland

[@jethrojacinto2798]

I've had to hear the media non-stop gush about these two rising teams (Wolves and Thunder) when beating my Celtics this season 😂

[@Nic0909]

Still need another rebounding big. Is Drummond an option?

[@Bewbscueser]

Russillo always does his homework

[@dakkarocka]

Good shit

[@withalittlehelpfrom3]

OKC is officiallly in the same boat as the '23 Kings and '22 Grizzlies: the young West playoff team everyone loves. And I, for one, am looking forward to the heelturn come next October: "The Thunder just aren't as good as last year" "Is SGA overrated?" "Chet's so Arrogant!"

[@johncarlostorres160]

facts

[@haydenbeckwith1990]

Nah this team is diff I do see the comparison but those teams were not this good this young

[@withalittlehelpfrom3]

@@haydenbeckwith1990 Kings went from no play in to 3 seed, Grizzlies were back to back 2 seeds over the play in. Yes, they were this good, and they didn’t have a reigning 1st all nba guy

[@haydenbeckwith1990]

@@withalittlehelpfrom3the teams were older though

[@withalittlehelpfrom3]

@@haydenbeckwith1990 Grizzlies weren’t. They were also 2nd youngest with average age of 24 with top ranked offense & defense

[@jeffreyjoseph1212]

Sga mvp

[@andrecambridge4474]

Ryen literally just rederived my bull case for my team and i’m so fuckin happy to not only be right but someone smart is seeing the same shit i did as a wayyy to analytical fan

[@jinxqs7061]

If they would open up for a trade for a superstar there’s like only two names that make sense to me. I’m saying Lauri or KD but who would you want to give up

[@rickeymickeyii4166]

Lauri, who’s dope af, is not a superstar. But he fits more than anyone not named OG Anunoby, who’s gone to NY now.

[@seemooremutts]

Why would they trade right now?

[@fourtime7]

The got the pieces, lack the experiences of the playoffs, we going find out if they about that life.

[@SchulzEricT]

"The Thunder" held Jokic to 0 FTs. Wow, what an impressive performance by... "the Thunder"

[@lh2000]

Doesn't OKC need to address rebounding and toughness? In that Q4, there was a stretch where they couldn't grab any rebounds and got lucky on a few deflections where they were able to get the out of bounds call

[@Dbo_Sports]

I think that they’re too small for Denver and Minnesota. But they’re just right for the Clippers who only have Zubac. The West is just anyone’s guess.

[@lh2000]

Yeah, they need a bit more size for sure.. if Chet gets in foul trouble, they'd immediate be in survival mode against Denver and Minny

[@davidgroth26]

Jerry West = Best evaluator ever?

[@keeparizonawild156]

Siakham would look pretty nice in a Thunder uniform

[@Who_8MyZaxbys]

That 2015 Warriors team played a lot of injured teams but interesting facts

[@orangesodazz]

SGA & JDub are given way too much leeway with their off arms while dribbling. The way they are allowed to shove & hit their defenders out of the way is kind of disgusting. Then, when the defender barely touches them, immediate whistle for a defensive foul. If they are going to initiate contact & commit borderline offensive fouls like that, defenders should be allowed to be more physical too. I’m not sold on this Thunder team for this upcoming postseason. I think they will come crashing down to earth when the opponents play with the same intensity. Also, SGA won’t be able to grift for fouls like his currently doing. Their lack of a true center is also going to be super exposed by guys like Jokic, Rudy/KAT, AD when the game slows down into a halfcourt postseason style. Long-term, their future is bright for sure, but they still have so many things to prove.

[@rickeymickeyii4166]

They call MORE fouls in the postseason, what are you talking about? Must be a Nuggets or Wolves fan, we coming ⛈️⏫️

[@ScottRhodes-hu5jo]

Where did Sam Presti touch you bro?

[@msglenn2581]

This is an absolute wild take. Every star player uses his body and shoulders and even elbows to create space. Try watching other teams sometime. Also, SGA does not foul bate, he just is constantly driving and actually gets less calls than he should based on the shear volume of drives he makes.

[@jeremianderson4861]

Okc has beat the Nuggets twice and gave the Timberwolves their worst defeat!

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

​@@jeremianderson4861missing Gordon obviously. Also just regular season, but kids are doing great.

[@ineedsaltplease620]

That presti text flex is embarrassing

[@TheFilmSpace1]

Stop talking Celtics and Tatum when this is an OKC video.

[@noneofyourbusiness8349]

Media seriously over rate chet this much????? Thumbnail with porzingis???? Ahead of Victor in rookie of the year races. Victor better numbers across the board. Only thing Victor doesn't have is Shai.

[@Wrestle_Kingdom]

🤦‍♀️

[@takeshi78]

Bring back the old outro theme🙏

[@DIGITAL7Media]

Playoff experience is everything. They are too young to go deep. But I’m definitely rooting for them.

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

Giddy hitting 3's like his little... never mind

[@AnonymousUser-ss2qr]

Tatum has always been overrated. SGA is a superstar. Wish KD could just freely return to OKC. Would fit right in.

[@mindyourbuisness8104]

How many finals and conference finals has SGA been to as the best player on the team?

[@justindza]

Good point, but SGA is just getting started. Tatum has had the better roster for most if not all of his career.

[@intelligentman7195]

SGA is overrated putting trash numbers in Trash team

[@larrylindgren9484]

@@intelligentman7195 Very weak Troll. At least try.

[@larrylindgren9484]

Get a player than might fit terribly and ruin the offense? Not me. You have to make sure he fits. Let's say they go out and get Giannis never going to happen but let's say. He takes shots away from everyone else. The only thing he does on offense and its elite is bullying his way into the paint. That hurt SGA. You can't have two players that do the same thing, and both need the ball. Getting a great player like Giannis might actually make them worse. Plus, you have to pay the guy. the Owner in OKC has shown he doesn't want to spend money. He broke up the young core in OKC before over money. Would they have won a title with them? Who knows but money and unwilling to pay them broke them up. Trading to get a guy might kill them. Kyrie in Boston. You'd think my Lord he talented and on that team they'll be great. He killed them. They were worse with Kyrie.

[@aron.gortman]

Giddey and Holmgren too good for anyone except maybe Jokic or Doncic.

[@sidoniomarscalle9828]

SGA is hands down better then Tatum.

[@NateArchibaldWithTheFro]

Josh hart catching a stray this episode lol

[@pruney84]

Josh Giddey showing MATURITY is a bar

[@mindyourbuisness8104]

I like the thunder a lot and do not think current denver is as good as they were last year but they are way too small to have any real chance against a playoff effort Nuggets without a major injury to denver

[@domingow.17]

Denver is clearly coasting a bit and they still have a slightly better record than last year through the same number of games

[@petorskirollin]

First comment. Of course Celtics

[@hotlineblingisagoodsong]

Nets fan here we lose again 😔

[@Gail-Lewis-Goat]

Fu ck the celtics

[@pjhoops8637]

The OKC Thunder are legit a piece away from really contending for a chip! They should trade for Pascal Siakam

[@joed7185]

Nah bruh. OKC loaded

[@4evahodlingdoge226]

Siakam isn't what they neeed.

[@zay914]

pascal is not like that and they need the 4 to shoot

[@overrativeness]

what does siakam add that they need? they have shai, chet and j dub for shot making, giddey can be a secondary creator and so can jdub, if anything they might need a bench big that can protect the rim but anything else might mess up the cohesiveness on offense.

[@bixhutch6274]

OKC is no peices away. They got the MVP, The Rookie of the year and the most improved.

[@chalkywhitelll8448]

Bring the SuperSonic’s back!

[@jeffreymosquera5465]

😅

[@k_hack9441]

Thunder look pretty good. Sixers in 5

[@RandomNumber6598]

So….they’re both making the final? That’d be great

[@TheFilmSpace1]

Free Tre Mann !! And he’s not even playing very talented

[@joed7185]

Celtics Suck. Lakers Suck. Thunder Up!

[@jrelllll]

OKC is amazing but i see no way that they can beat the nuggets. they’re way too big for them. jokic would kill them boys

[@sammyttheg412]

I've really only hated a few teams in my life. The warriors during their run who got every call and every break. The celtics after that pierce kg trade being that good and having those assets from bk, and now the okc thunder 😂 i can't stand them being this good and having this much capital moving forward. Nothibg against any of those guys i actually like them all its just a sickening embarrassment of riches for any team to possess. I still hate the warriors and celtics way more for what its worth

[@Mskedu47]

Celtics fan overreaction

[@4evahodlingdoge226]

OKC should trade for Markannen, it would be a huge upgrade from Giddey.

[@bronsonbamnallen1633]

I will never be excited for the secondhand Sonics and I hope they continue to be an epic failure for the rest of eternity.

[@TheOpinionSports]

Thunder won’t finish in the top 6. As the season goes along the thunder will come back to the pack as they aren’t even that many games ahead.

[@RandomNumber6598]

They have had a top 10 difficulty schedule and have one of the easiest schedules remaining. Don’t think it’s likely barring injury.

[@TheOpinionSports]

@@RandomNumber6598 I disagree the Thunder only played 13 games in the month of December and just one back to back in December as well. Also majority of their games have been played at home. Before the loss to the hawks the thunder had played 19 home games and 13 away games probably the largest disparity of any team thus far. December was an easy month for them because of the rest

[@roberthowe9137]

They have a strong bench & can withstand injuries better than most teams. They have a better road record than most of the other contenders.

[@TheOpinionSports]

@@roberthowe9137 and they just lost the last two on the road. Sit back and watch it play out.

[@roberthowe9137]

Nobody wins them all - just ask Detroit 😂

[@JoshWhite-d7s]

Boycott OKC

[@callico4044]

So when it was speaking of Boston the Denver nuggets were an insurmountable force but now when speaking of OKC Denver “ isnt that scary” make up ur mind guys

[@Peanutdenver]

If he had watched the Nuggets vs OKC game (instead of glancing at the box score)he'd know Aaron Gordon was out and Murray was acting hobbled and played horribly. KCP nursing his hamstring issue and Denver looked like they conceded that game before it even started. Now that doesn't take anything away from the Thunder, they are rock solid. But Denver(like last year)goes through these stretches of just coasting and seemingly puts forth minimal effort. We'll only see when it comes playoff time who will rise to the top in the West.