As we all wait until the first tip-off of the season, let’s look at the marquee matchups of the season for the Thunder. Of course all 82 games are important, but some of them are more intriguing… they’re “must-watch” games. With the Thunder winning the Western Conference last year and getting to the NBA Finals, teams are going to play them like it’s a game 7 finals game. In other words, they’re going to play with a lot of fire. Oklahoma City will play 25 national TV games this year with 10 on ESPN, 10 on TNT and 5 on ABC. Here are the BIG games next year.
Thursday Nov 1 @ San Antonio: To start off the year, the Thunder will play in the arena, where in Game 5, Harden hit that three to close the game out. This game will be bigger for the Spurs, as it a chance for redemption and revenge on the Thunder. Let me ask you this: If you lost four straight games to get knocked out of the playoffs, wouldn’t you be mad?
Friday Nov 23 @ Boston: Okay, this is my favorite game. May not be yours. This is Russell Westbrook’s home. He dominates at the TD Garden. Does anyone else remember his 26 points and crazy three? To me, this is always the most fun game in the year. Plus, I’ll be there watching.
Tuesday Dec 4 @Brooklyn: December 4th, Jay-Z’s birthday, marks the first time the Thunder will play in the new Barclay Center and say Hello to Brooklyn. New city, new team and the first time Westbrook and Harden get a chance to play, “the best backcourt in the league.” And, yes, I put that in quotes for a reason.
Tuesday Dec 25 @ Miami: The biggest regular season game of the year. I actually can’t wait. I still remember sitting in my seat watching Heat fans celebrate in Game 5. I hope the Thunder win by 30. Really do.
Friday Jan 11 @ L.A. Lakers: Whenever you play in the Staples Center on national TV, it’s a big game. Especially with the new-look Lakers and Steve Nash. This will be second time they play the Lakers, after their matchup at home on December 7th. Anyhow, the last time the Thunder played in the Staples Center was when KD did this.
Sunday Jan 13 @ Portland: Not really an intriguing game, but it is for me. Just because I am a big Damian Lillard fan, and this is the first chance for the Thunder to play him on the road. I cant wait for the Lillard and Westbrook matchup. The Rose Bowl is always electric, so it’s bound to be a good game.
Sunday Feb 24 Chicago: Derrick Rose should be back for this game. My dad and I always have discussions on who’s better, Rose or Westbrook? So, I guess we’ll get a chance to find out. Anyhow, last time the Bulls came to Oklahoma City, the Thunder beat them by 14 and Westbrook had this nasty dunk over Omer Asik.
Thursday March 7 @ New York:Madison Square Garden. Melo vs. Durant. I’ll be there. It’s a huge game.
Friday Jan 18 @ Dallas: I don’t know why, but for some reason I love watching the Thunder play in that American Airlines Areana. I find it fun, for some odd season. Maybe it will give me memories of when Harden did this?
