2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder season

2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder season
Head coachBilly Donovan
General managerSam Presti
OwnersProfessional Basketball Club LLC
ArenaChesapeake Energy Arena
Results
Record48–34 (.585)
PlaceDivision: 2nd (Northwest)
Conference: 4th (Western)
Playoff finishFirst Round
(lost to Jazz 2–4)

Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionFox Sports Oklahoma
Radio
< 2016–17 2018–19 >

The 2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder season was the 10th season of the franchise in Oklahoma City and the 52nd in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This season was headlined by the acquisitions of All-Star players Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in trades with the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks respectively, in addition to the reigning MVP Russell Westbrook signing a five-year extension worth $205 million. The trio was dubbed the "Big Three" as well as "OK3".[1] The Thunder clinched their playoff berth for the eight time in the last nine seasons with a win over the Miami Heat in a rematch of the 2012 Finals on April 9, 2018.

They finished the regular season with 48–34, which clinched the 4th seed. In the playoffs, the Thunder faced the 5th seeded Utah Jazz in the First Round, a team led by rookie Donovan Mitchell, and lost in six games.

After averaging a then-career low 16.2 points per game during the season, Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason, ending the Thunder's Big Three experiment.[2] The season also marked the end of long-time veteran Nick Collison's career, after 14 years. Sometimes referred to as "Mr. Thunder", Collison appeared once in the finals (2012), and following his retirement, became the only player from the 2003 draft to play their entire career with the team that drafted them, and it also left Jeff Green of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors as the last remaining active players who played for the then-Seattle SuperSonics, with Mark Bryant and Sam Presti being the last remaining staff members that have been with the Thunder since the Sonics' final season in 2007–08.

Previous season

[edit]

The Thunder finished the 2016–17 season 47–35 to finish in second place in the Northwest Division, sixth in the Western Conference and qualified for the playoffs. Last season featured Russell Westbrook breaking Oscar Robertson's record for most triple doubles in a season with 42.[3] Westbrook was later named the 2016-17 NBA Most Valuable Player. Westbrook earned MVP honors after joining Oscar Roberson as the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double. Westbrook registered a league-best 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds (10th in the NBA), 10.4 assists (third in the NBA) and 1.63 steals in 34.6 minutes per game.[4]

Offseason

[edit]
Terrance Ferguson was selected 21st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Draft picks

[edit]
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College/Club team
1 21 Terrance Ferguson SG  United States Australia Adelaide 36ers (NBL)

The Thunder had only their own first-round pick entering the draft.[5] The Thunder traded their 2017 second-round pick in the Joffrey Lauvergne trade to the Denver Nuggets back in 2016.[6] The Thunder ended 2017 NBA draft night with Australia's NBL Terrance Ferguson.[7]

Trades

[edit]
Paul George and Carmelo Anthony were traded to the Thunder.

On July 6, the Thunder traded Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Paul George.[8] George was traded by the Pacers after rumors of George wanting to leave in free agency for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder decided to trade and gamble that a season with George on the roster will entice him to re-sign long term.[9] George came to the Thunder as a four-time All Star, winner of the 2012–13 season Most Improved Player Award, All-NBA Third team honors three times, NBA All-Defensive First Team once and All-Defensive Second team twice.

On September 25, the Thunder traded Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round pick via CHI to the New York Knicks in exchange for Carmelo Anthony.[10] Anthony had been the focal point of intense trade speculation throughout the offseason while owning a no-trade clause in his contract.[11] Both Russell Westbrook and Paul George "played an immense part" in convincing Anthony to waive his no-trade clause to join the Thunder.[12] Anthony came to the Thunder as a 10-time All Star, All-NBA Second team honors two times, All-NBA Third team honors four times and a three-time Olympic gold medalist.

Free agency

[edit]

For this offseason, free agency began on July 1, 2017, while the July moratorium ended on July 6. Norris Cole, Nick Collison and Taj Gibson were set to hit unrestricted free agency while Andre Roberson was set to hit restricted free agency. On July 2, it was reported that Taj Gibson agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which he later signed on July 10.[13][14] On July 5, it was reported that Andre Roberson agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract extension to stay with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 14.[15][16] On July 21, Nick Collison agreed to a new contract to stay with the Thunder. Sam Presti called Collison "one of the founding members of our organization and culture, it goes without saying that he has helped set internal standards and built a legacy that Thunder fans will remain indebted to for years to come."[17] Cole, who was not re-signed, signed a one-year deal with the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv of the EuroLeague.[18]

On July 7, it was reported that Raymond Felton agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 10.[19][20] Felton spent the 2016–17 season with the LA Clippers. A day after losing Taj Gibson, on July 4, it was reported that Patrick Patterson agreed to a three-year, $16.4 million deal with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 10.[21][22] Patterson spent the 2016–17 season with the Toronto Raptors.

On July 22, Dakari Johnson signed a deal with the Thunder. Johnson was originally selected 48th overall in the 2015 NBA draft but did not a sign a contract in the 2015–16 season, instead playing two seasons with the Oklahoma City Blue.[23]

Starting in the 2017–18 season, each team is allowed two players on two-way contracts, in addition to the standard 15 players on the roster. On August 3, Daniel Hamilton signed a two-way contract with the Thunder, splitting time with the Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue. Hamilton spent the 2016-17 season with the Blue.[24] To fill in the other slot, PJ Dozier signed a two-way contract with the Thunder on October 17. Dozier came undrafted out of South Carolina.[25]

On October 14, Semaj Christon was waived by the Thunder as his $1.3 million salary would have become fully guaranteed for the season. The Thunder opted for 14 guaranteed roster spots rather than 15.[26][27]

On September 29, Russell Westbrook agreed to a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Thunder.[28] Westbrook's deal was the biggest guaranteed contract at the time in 2017.[29]

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there is no place I would rather be than Oklahoma City. I am so honored to have the opportunity to continue my career here with the Thunder. From day one the support that Mr. Bennett, Sam, Troy and the entire organization have given me and my family has been incredible, and we are so grateful. When you play in Oklahoma City you play in front of the best fans in the world, I’m looking forward to bringing everything I’ve got, for them, this city and for this organization. WHY NOT?[30]

— Russell Westbrook

Front office and coaching changes

[edit]

On May 15, Thunder assistant Anthony Grant was hired as the head coach of the Dayton Flyers. Coming over when Billy Donovan was hired, Grant served as an assistant coach for the Thunder for two seasons.[31]

On October 2, the Thunder announced Rob Hennigan as Vice President of Insight & Foresight. Hennigan rejoins the Thunder after serving as the general manager of the Orlando Magic for five seasons.[32]

Roster

[edit]
2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
SG 8 Abrines, Álex 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1993-08-01 Spain
C 12 Adams, Steven 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1993-07-20 Pittsburgh
PF 7 Anthony, Carmelo 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1984-05-29 Syracuse
SG 3 Brewer, Corey 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 186 lb (84 kg) 1986-03-05 Florida
PF 4 Collison, Nick 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1980-10-26 Kansas
PG 35 Dozier, PJ (TW) 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1996-10-25 South Carolina
PG 2 Felton, Raymond 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1984-06-26 North Carolina
SG 23 Ferguson, Terrance 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 184 lb (83 kg) 1998-05-17 Advanced Prep International (TX)
SF 13 George, Paul 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1990-05-02 Fresno State
PF 9 Grant, Jerami 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1994-03-12 Syracuse
SG 25 Hamilton, Daniel (TW) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1995-08-08 Connecticut
PF 34 Huestis, Josh 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1991-12-19 Stanford
C 44 Johnson, Dakari 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1995-09-22 Kentucky
PF 54 Patterson, Patrick 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1989-03-14 Kentucky
SG 21 Roberson, André 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1991-12-04 Colorado
SF 15 Singler, Kyle 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 228 lb (103 kg) 1988-05-04 Duke
PG 0 Westbrook, Russell 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1988-11-12 UCLA
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)

Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • (GL) On assignment to G League affiliate
  • (TW) Two-way affiliate player
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Last transaction: March 30, 2018

Standings

[edit]

Game log

[edit]

Preseason

[edit]
2017 pre-season game log
Total: 3–1 (home: 2–1; road: 1–0)
Pre-season: 3–1 (home: 2–1; road: 1–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
1 October 3 Houston L 97–104 Carmelo Anthony (19) Josh Huestis (7) Isaiah Canaan (6) BOK Center
17,733
0–1
2 October 6 New Orleans W 102–91 Paul George (25) Daniel Hamilton (8) Daniel Hamilton (5) Chesapeake Energy Arena
N/A
1–1
3 October 8 Melbourne W 86–85 Paul George (22) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook(7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
N/A
2–1
4 October 10 @ Denver W 96–86 Russell Westbrook(20) Paul George (11) Russell Westbrook(7) Pepsi Center
10,000
3–1
2017–18 season schedule

Regular season

[edit]
2017–18 game log
Total: 48–34 (home: 27–14; road: 21–20)
October: 4–3 (home: 2–1; road: 2–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
1 October 19 New York W 105–84 Paul George (28) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (16) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–0
2 October 21 @ Utah L 87–96 Carmelo Anthony (26) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (16) Vivint Smart Home Arena
18,300
1–1
3 October 22 Minnesota L 113–115 Russell Westbrook (31) Steven Adams (13) Russell Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–2
4 October 25 Indiana W 114–96 Anthony, Westbrook (28) Steven Adams (13) Russell Westbrook (16) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
2–2
5 October 27 @ Minnesota L 116–119 Russell Westbrook (27) Adams, Westbrook (8) Russell Westbrook (9) Target Center
17,620
2–3
6 October 28 @ Chicago W 101–69 Carmelo Anthony (21) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (13) United Center
21,706
3–3
7 October 31 @ Milwaukee W 110–91 Paul George (28) Steven Adams (11) Russell Westbrook (9) Bradley Center
16,713
4–3
November : 4–9 (home: 4–2; road: 0–7)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
8 November 3 Boston L 94–101 Paul George (25) Carmelo Anthony (14) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
4–4
9 November 5 @ Portland L 99–103 Paul George (27) Jerami Grant (7) Russell Westbrook (9) Moda Center
19,393
4–5
10 November 7 @ Sacramento L 86–94 Russell Westbrook (20) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (6) Golden 1 Center
17,583
4–6
11 November 9 @ Denver L 94–102 Carmelo Anthony (28) Steven Adams (11) Roberson, Westbrook (5) Pepsi Center
19,520
4–7
12 November 10 LA Clippers W 120–111 Paul George (42) Andre Roberson (11) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
5–7
13 November 12 Dallas W 112–99 Paul George (37) George, Grant (8) Felton, George, Westbrook (5) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
6–7
14 November 15 Chicago W 92–79 Russell Westbrook (21) Carmelo Anthony (11) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
7–7
15 November 17 @ San Antonio L 101–104 Carmelo Anthony (20) Russell Westbrook (9) Russell Westbrook (9) AT&T Center
18,418
7–8
16 November 20 @ New Orleans L 107–114 Paul George (37) Russell Westbrook (16) Russell Westbrook (12) Smoothie King Center
16,765
7–9
17 November 22 Golden State W 108–91 Russell Westbrook (34) Steven Adams (12) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
8–9
18 November 24 Detroit L 98–99 Russell Westbrook (27) Steven Adams (12) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
8–10
19 November 25 @ Dallas L 81–97 Russell Westbrook (28) Russell Westbrook (12) Paul George (10) American Airlines Center
20,340
8–11
20 November 29 @ Orlando L 108–121 Russell Westbrook (37) Russell Westbrook (11) George, Westbrook (5) Amway Center
17,797
8–12
December : 12–5 (home: 8–3; road: 4–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
21 December 1 Minnesota W 111–107 Paul George (36) Russell Westbrook (9) Russell Westbrook (12) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
9–12
22 December 3 San Antonio W 90–87 Russell Westbrook (22) Adams, Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
10–12
23 December 5 Utah W 100–94 Russell Westbrook (34) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (14) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
11–12
24 December 7 @ Brooklyn L 95–100 Russell Westbrook (31) Steven Adams (14) Russell Westbrook (6) Mexico City Arena
20,562
11–13
25 December 9 @ Memphis W 102–101 (OT) Adams, Anthony (21) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (14) FedEx Forum
17,794
12–13
26 December 11 Charlotte L 103–116 Russell Westbrook (30) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
12–14
27 December 13 @ Indiana W 100–95 Steven Adams (23) Russell Westbrook (17) Russell Westbrook (12) Bankers Life Fieldhouse
17,923
13–14
28 December 15 @ Philadelphia W 119–117 (3OT) Russell Westbrook (27) Russell Westbrook (18) Russell Westbrook (15) Wells Fargo Center
20,612
14–14
29 December 16 @ New York L 96–111 Russell Westbrook (25) Paul George (9) Russell Westbrook (7) Madison Square Garden
19,812
14–15
30 December 18 Denver W 95–94 Russell Westbrook (38) Russell Westbrook (9) Russell Westbrook (6) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
15–15
31 December 20 Utah W 107–79 Russell Westbrook (24) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
16–15
32 December 22 Atlanta W 120–117 Russell Westbrook (30) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (15) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
17–15
33 December 23 @ Utah W 103–89 Russell Westbrook (27) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (10) Vivint Smart Home Arena
18,306
18–15
34 December 25 Houston W 112–107 Russell Westbrook (31) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
19–15
35 December 27 Toronto W 124–107 Paul George (33) Andre Roberson (10) Russell Westbrook (13) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
20–15
36 December 29 Milwaukee L 95–97 Russell Westbrook (40) Russell Westbrook (14) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
20–16
37 December 31 Dallas L 113–116 Russell Westbrook (38) Russell Westbrook (15) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
20–17
January : 10–4 (home: 5–1; road: 5–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
38 January 3 @ LA Lakers W 133–96 Terrance Ferguson (24) Josh Huestis (9) Russell Westbrook (12) Staples Center
18,997
21–17
39 January 4 @ LA Clippers W 127–117 Paul George (31) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (11) Staples Center
19,068
22–17
40 January 7 @ Phoenix L 100–114 Russell Westbrook (26) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (11) Talking Stick Resort Arena
18,055
22–18
41 January 9 Portland L 106–117 George, Westbrook (22) Russell Westbrook (9) Russell Westbrook (12) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
22–19
42 January 10 @ Minnesota L 88–104 Russell Westbrook (38) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (5) Target Center
18,978
22–20
43 January 13 @ Charlotte W 101–91 Russell Westbrook (25) Steven Adams (11) Russell Westbrook (7) Spectrum Center
19,624
23–20
44 January 15 Sacramento W 95–88 Paul George (20) Russell Westbrook (16) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
24–20
45 January 17 LA Lakers W 114–90 Carmelo Anthony (27) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
25–20
46 January 20 @ Cleveland W 148–124 Paul George (36) Carmelo Anthony (10) Russell Westbrook (20) Quicken Loans Arena
20,562
26–20
47 January 23 Brooklyn W 109–108 Russell Westbrook (32) Steven Adams (14) Russell Westbrook (6) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
27–20
48 January 25 Washington W 121–112 Russell Westbrook (46) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (6) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
28–20
49 January 27 @ Detroit W 121–108 Russell Westbrook (31) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (13) Little Caesars Arena
20,491
29–20
50 January 28 Philadelphia W 122–112 Russell Westbrook (37) Steven Adams (13) Russell Westbrook (14) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
30–20
51 January 30 @ Washington L 96–102 Paul George (28) Steven Adams (12) Russell Westbrook (10) Capital One Arena
20,356
30–21
February : 6–6 (home: 2–3; road: 4–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
52 February 1 @ Denver L 124–127 Paul George (43) Russell Westbrook (9) Russell Westbrook (21) Pepsi Center
18,407
30–22
53 February 2 New Orleans L 100–114 Steven Adams (23) Steven Adams (12) Russell Westbrook (14) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
30–23
54 February 4 L.A. Lakers L 104–108 Russell Westbrook (36) Carmelo Anthony (13) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
30–24
55 February 6 @ Golden State W 125–105 Paul George (38) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (9) Oracle Arena
19,596
31–24
56 February 8 @ L.A. Lakers L 81–106 Paul George (29) Adams, George (9) George, Felton, Hamilton (3) Staples Center
18,997
31–25
57 February 11 Memphis W 110–92 Paul George (33) Steven Adams (9) Felton, George (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
32–25
58 February 13 Cleveland L 112–120 Paul George (25) Steven Adams (17) Russell Westbrook (12) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
32–26
59 February 14 @ Memphis W 121–114 Paul George (28) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (15) FedEx Forum
16,012
33–26
All-Star Break
60 February 22 @ Sacramento W 110–107 Paul George (26) Russell Westbrook (15) Russell Westbrook (11) Golden 1 Center
17,583
34–26
61 February 24 @ Golden State L 80–112 Russell Westbrook (17) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (7) Oracle Arena
19,596
34–27
62 February 26 Orlando W 112–105 Paul George (26) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
35–27
63 February 28 @ Dallas W 111–110 (OT) Russell Westbrook (30) Steven Adams (12) Russell Westbrook (7) American Airlines Center
20,202
36–27
March : 8–6 (home: 5–3; road: 3–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
64 March 2 @ Phoenix W 124–116 Russell Westbrook (43) Russell Westbrook (14) Russell Westbrook (8) Talking Stick Resort Arena
18,055
37–27
65 March 3 @ Portland L 100–108 Russell Westbrook (30) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (6) Moda Center
20,063
37–28
66 March 6 Houston L 112–122 Russell Westbrook (32) Steven Adams (8) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
37–29
67 March 8 Phoenix W 115–87 Russell Westbrook (27) Steven Adams (9) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
38–29
68 March 10 San Antonio W 104–94 Russell Westbrook (21) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
39–29
69 March 12 Sacramento W 106–101 Anthony, George (21) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
40–29
70 March 13 @ Atlanta W 119–107 Russell Westbrook (32) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (12) Philips Arena
16,739
41–29
71 March 16 L.A. Clippers W 121–113 Corey Brewer (24) Steven Adams (14) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
42–29
72 March 18 @ Toronto W 132–125 Russell Westbrook (37) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (14) Air Canada Centre
19,800
43–29
73 March 20 @ Boston L 99–100 Russell Westbrook (27) Paul George (13) Russell Westbrook (7) TD Garden
18,624
43–30
74 March 23 Miami W 105–99 Russell Westbrook (29) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
44–30
75 Marsh 25 Portland L 105–108 Russell Westbrook (23) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
44–31
76 March 29 @ San Antonio L 99–103 Paul George (26) Steven Adams (13) Paul George (6) AT&T Center
18,203
44–32
77 March 30 Denver L 125–126 (OT) Russell Westbrook (33) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (13) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
44–33
April : 4–1 (home: 1–1; road: 3–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
78 April 1 @ New Orleans W 109–104 Russell Westbrook (26) Russell Westbrook (15) Russell Westbrook (13) Smoothie King Center
18,500
45–33
79 April 3 Golden State L 107–111 Russell Westbrook (44) Russell Westbrook (16) Russell Westbrook (6) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
45–34
80 April 7 @ Houston W 108–102 George, Westbrook (24) Steven Adams (8) Russell Westbrook (10) Toyota Center
18,055
46–34
81 April 9 @ Miami W 115–93 Russell Westbrook (23) Russell Westbrook (18) Russell Westbrook (13) American Airlines Arena
19,600
47–34
82 April 11 Memphis W 137–123 Paul George (40) Russell Westbrook (20) Russell Westbrook (19) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
48–34
2017–18 season schedule

Playoffs

[edit]
2018 playoff game log
Total: 2–4 (home: 2–1; road: 0–3)
First Round: 2–4 (home: 2–1; road: 0–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Series
1 April 15 Utah W 116–108 Paul George (36) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–0
2 April 18 Utah L 95–102 Russell Westbrook (19) Paul George (10) Russell Westbrook (13) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–1
3 April 21 @ Utah L 102–115 Paul George (23) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (9) Vivint Smart Home Arena
18,306
1–2
4 April 23 @ Utah L 96–113 Paul George (32) Russell Westbrook (14) Russell Westbrook (3) Vivint Smart Home Arena
18,306
1–3
5 April 25 Utah W 107–99 Russell Westbrook (45) Russell Westbrook (15) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
2–3
6 April 27 @ Utah L 91–96 Russell Westbrook (46) Steven Adams (15) Paul George (8) Vivint Smart Home Arena
18,306
2–4
2018 playoff schedule

Player statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Oklahoma City Thunder statistics
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Alex Abrines 75 8 15.1 39.5% 38.0% 84.8% 1.5 0.4 0.5 0.1 4.7
Steven Adams 76 76 32.7 62.9% 0.0% 55.9% 9.0 1.2 1.2 1.0 13.9
Carmelo Anthony 78 78 32.1 40.4% 35.7% 76.7% 5.8 1.3 0.6 0.6 16.2
Corey Brewer 18 16 28.6 44.4% 34.3% 79.5% 3.4 1.3 2.1 0.3 10.1
Nick Collison 15 0 5.0 68.4% - 38.5% 1.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 2.1
PJ Dozier 2 0 1.5 50.0% - - 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0
Raymond Felton 82 2 16.6 40.6% 35.2% 81.8% 1.9 2.5 0.6 0.2 6.9
Terrance Ferguson 61 12 12.5 41.4% 33.3% 90.0% 0.8 0.3 0.4 0.2 3.1
Paul George 79 79 36.6 43.0% 40.1% 82.2% 5.7 3.3 2.0 0.5 21.9
Jerami Grant 81 1 20.3 53.5% 29.1% 67.5% 3.9 0.7 0.4 1.0 8.4
Daniel Hamilton 6 0 4.7 45.5% 40.0% - 0.8 1.3 0.2 0.0 2.0
Josh Huestis 69 10 14.2 33.0% 28.7% 30.0% 2.3 0.3 0.2 0.6 2.3
Dakari Johnson 31 6 5.2 56.4% - 55.0% 1.1 0.3 0.2 0.3 1.8
Patrick Patterson 82 3 15.5 39.8% 38.6% 87.0% 2.4 0.7 0.6 0.3 3.9
Andre Roberson 39 39 26.6 53.7% 22.2% 31.6% 4.7 1.2 1.2 0.9 5.0
Kyle Singler 12 0 4.9 33.3% 40.0% 53.8% 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.0 1.9
Russell Westbrook 80 80 36.4 44.9% 29.8% 73.7% 10.1 10.3 1.8 0.3 25.4
  Led team in statistic

After all games.[33]
Waived during the season
Traded during the season
Acquired during the season

Playoffs

[edit]
Oklahoma City Thunder statistics
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Alex Abrines 6 0 18.3 40.0% 46.2% 100% 2.7 0.3 0.8 0.3 4.0
Steven Adams 6 6 33.3 58.7% - 69.2% 7.5 1.5 0.7 0.7 10.5
Carmelo Anthony 6 6 32.3 37.5% 21.4% 73.3% 5.7 0.3 1.7 0.7 11.8
Corey Brewer 6 6 25.2 52.0% 45.5% 100% 2.2 0.8 1.2 0.8 6.2
Raymond Felton 6 0 13.2 38.7% 50.0% 0.0% 2.2 1.5 0.7 0.3 5.2
Terrance Ferguson 3 0 2.0 100% 100% - 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.0
Paul George 6 6 41.8 40.8% 36.5% 86.1% 6.0 2.7 1.3 0.7 24.7
Jerami Grant 6 0 22.2 51.4% 25.0% 45.5% 3.3 1.0 0.7 0.5 7.2
Josh Huestis 4 0 4.8 50.0% - 50.0% 0.8 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.8
Dakari Johnson 2 0 1.5 - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Patrick Patterson 6 0 9.7 50.0% 50.0% - 1.8 0.5 0.2 0.0 1.3
Russell Westbrook 6 6 39.2 39.8% 35.7% 82.5% 12.0 7.5 1.5 0.0 29.3
  Led team in statistic

After all games.[34]

Individual game highs

[edit]

Awards and records

[edit]

Awards

[edit]
Date Player Award
December 26, 2017 Russell Westbrook (1/2)[35] December 18–24 Player of the Week[a]
January 4, 2018 Russell Westbrook (1/1)[36] December Player of the Month[b]
January 23, 2018 Russell Westbrook[37] All-Star[c]
January 27, 2018 Paul George[38] All-Star[d]
March 19, 2018 Russell Westbrook (1/2)[39] March 12–18 Player of the Week[e]
May 24, 2018 Russell Westbrook[40] All-NBA Second Team[f]
May 24, 2018 Paul George[41] All-NBA Third Team[g]

Transactions

[edit]

Overview

[edit]
Players Added

Via draft

Via trade

Via free agency

Players Lost

Via trade

Via free agency

Waived

Trades

[edit]
July 6, 2017[42] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Paul George
To Indiana Pacers
Victor Oladipo
Domantas Sabonis
September 25, 2017[43] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Carmelo Anthony
To New York Knicks
Doug McDermott
Enes Kanter
2018 second-round pick

Free agency

[edit]

Re-signed

[edit]
Date Player Contract
July 14, 2017 Andre Roberson[44] Multi-Year Extension
July 21, 2017 Nick Collison[45] Standard
September 29, 2017 Russell Westbrook[46] Multi-Year Extension

Additions

[edit]
Date Player Contract Former team
July 10, 2017 Raymond Felton[47] Standard LA Clippers
July 10, 2017 Patrick Patterson[48] Standard Toronto Raptors
July 22, 2017 Dakari Johnson[49] Standard Oklahoma City Blue (D-League)
August 3, 2017 Daniel Hamilton[50] Two-Way Oklahoma City Blue (D-League)
October 17, 2017 PJ Dozier[51] Two-Way South Carolina (NCAA)
In-Season Additions
March 3, 2018 Corey Brewer[52] Standard Los Angeles Lakers

Subtractions

[edit]
Date Player Reason left New team
July 10, 2017 Taj Gibson[53] Free Agent Minnesota Timberwolves
August 15, 2017 Norris Cole[54] Free Agent Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
October 14, 2017 Semaj Christon[55] Waived China Guangzhou Long-Lions

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Tjarks, Jonathan (October 14, 2017). "NBA Preview: Will Thunder's 'Big Three' challenge Warriors?". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  2. ^ Baker, Barbara (July 19, 2018). "Carmelo Anthony traded to Hawks, who are expected to buy out his contract". Newsday. Retrieved July 5, 2019.
  3. ^ "Westbrook breaks Robertson's record for triple-doubles". espn.com. April 9, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  4. ^ "Russell Westbrook Wins 2016-17 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award". espn.com. June 26, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  5. ^ "2017 NBA Draft". nba.com.
  6. ^ "Thunder Acquires Joffrey Lauvergne". nba.com. August 30, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  7. ^ "Thunder Selects Terrance Ferguson in 2017 NBA Draft". nba.com. June 22, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  8. ^ "Thunder Acquires All-Star Forward Paul George". nba.com. July 6, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  9. ^ "Paul George Officially Traded to Thunder for Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis". bleacherreport.com. July 6, 2017. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  10. ^ "Thunder Acquires All-Star Forward Carmelo Anthony". nba.com. September 25, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  11. ^ "Carmelo Anthony Reportedly Traded to Thunder; Knicks Receive Enes Kanter, More". bleacherreport.com. September 23, 2017. Retrieved September 23, 2017.
  12. ^ "Russell Westbrook and Paul George played an immense part in getting Anthony to waive no-trade for OKC, league sources tell ESPN". twitter.com. September 23, 2017. Retrieved September 23, 2017.
  13. ^ "Free agent Taj Gibson has agreed to a two-year, $28M deal with Minnesota, league sources tell The Vertical". twitter.com. July 2, 2017. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  14. ^ "Timberwolves Sign Forward Taj Gibson". nba.com. July 10, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  15. ^ "Andre Roberson has agreed to a new three-year, $30M deal with Oklahoma City, league sources tell ESPN". twitter.com. July 5, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  16. ^ "Thunder Signs Andre Roberson to Multi-Year Contract Extension". nba.com. July 14, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  17. ^ "Thunder Signs Nick Collison". nba.com. July 21, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  18. ^ "Maccabi signs former NBA champ Cole". EuroLeague.net. August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2017.
  19. ^ "Because of Thunder's cap situation, PG Raymond Felton headed to OKC on one-year veteran's minimum deal ($2.3M)". twitter.com. July 7, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  20. ^ "Thunder Signs Raymond Felton". nba.com. July 10, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  21. ^ "Free agent forward Patrick Patterson has agreed to a three-year, $16.4M deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, league sources tell ESPN". twitter.com. July 4, 2017. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  22. ^ "Thunder Signs Patrick Patterson". nba.com. July 10, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  23. ^ "Thunder Signs Dakari Johnson". nba.com. July 22, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  24. ^ "Thunder Signs Daniel Hamilton to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. August 3, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  25. ^ "Thunder Signs PJ Dozier to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. October 17, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  26. ^ "Thunder Waives Four". nba.com. October 14, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  27. ^ "OKC Thunder trim roster to 14 players – waive Semaj Christon and Isaiah Canaan". thunderousintentions.com. October 14, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  28. ^ "Thunder Signs Russell Westbrook to a Multi-Year Contract Extension". nba.com. September 29, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  29. ^ "Russell Westbrook signs 5-year, $205M extension with Thunder". espn.com. September 29, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  30. ^ "Thunder Signs Russell Westbrook to a Multi-Year Contract Extension". NBA. September 29, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  31. ^ "ANTHONY GRANT NAMED NEW DAYTON MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH". daytonflyers.com. March 30, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  32. ^ "Oklahoma City Thunder Announces Basketball Operations Update". nba.com. October 2, 2017. Retrieved December 24, 2022.
  33. ^ "2017-18 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  34. ^ "2017-18 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  35. ^ "Russell Westbrook Named Western Conference Player of the Week". nba.com. December 26, 2017. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
  36. ^ "Russell Westbrook Named Western Conference Player of the Month". nba.com. January 4, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  37. ^ "Russell Westbrook Named 2018 NBA All-Star". nba.com. January 23, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  38. ^ "Paul George Named 2018 All-Star". nba.com. January 27, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  39. ^ "Russell Westbrook Named Western Conference Player of the Week". nba.com. March 19, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  40. ^ "Westbrook, George Earn All-NBA Honors". nba.com. May 24, 2018. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  41. ^ "Westbrook, George Earn All-NBA Honors". nba.com. May 24, 2018. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  42. ^ "Thunder Acquires All-Star Forward Paul George". nba.com. July 6, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  43. ^ "Thunder Acquires All-Star Forward Carmelo Anthony". nba.com. September 25, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  44. ^ "Thunder Signs Andre Roberson to Multi-Year Contract Extension". nba.com. July 14, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  45. ^ "Thunder Signs Nick Collison". nba.com. July 21, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  46. ^ "Thunder Signs Russell Westbrook to a Multi-Year Contract Extension". nba.com. September 29, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  47. ^ "Thunder Signs Raymond Felton". nba.com. July 10, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  48. ^ "Thunder Signs Patrick Patterson". nba.com. July 10, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  49. ^ "Thunder Signs Dakari Johnson". nba.com. July 22, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  50. ^ "Thunder Signs Daniel Hamilton to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. August 3, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  51. ^ "Thunder Signs PJ Dozier to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. October 17, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  52. ^ "Thunder Signs Corey Brewer". nba.com. March 3, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  53. ^ "Timberwolves Sign Forward Taj Gibson". nba.com. July 10, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  54. ^ "Maccabi Tel Aviv signed Norris Cole". eurohoops.net. August 15, 2017. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  55. ^ "Thunder Waives Four". nba.com. October 14, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  1. ^ Westbrook helped lead the Thunder to a perfect 4-0 week while posting averages of 29.8 points on .598 percent shooting (49-82 FGs) to go along with 9.0 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 2.50 steals in 34.5 minutes. Westbrook’s triple-double on Dec. 23 at Utah represented the 11th of the season (OKC 9-2 in those games) and the 90th of his career.
  2. ^ The reigning NBA MVP led Oklahoma City to a 12-5 record in December, third-best in the league, while averaging a triple-double of 27.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 10.6 assists. He also accumulated the most points (472), assists (181) and steals (31) of any NBA player last month while holding the highest assist percentage (.497) and most fast break points per game (5.8).
  3. ^ A two-time NBA All-Star game MVP, Westbrook is now scheduled to make his seventh career All-Star appearance.
  4. ^ George is slated to make his fifth All-Star appearance, joining teammate Russell Westbrook on Team LeBron, replacing New Orleans’ DeMarcus Cousins.
  5. ^ The reigning NBA MVP led Oklahoma City to a 4-0 week as the Thunder has now won six consecutive games overall after last night’s victory in Toronto over the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors. Westbrook registered a triple-double in each contest this past week while averaging 25.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 12.0 assists on .526 (41-78 FGs) shooting from the field.
  6. ^ This is Westbrook’s 7th selection to the All-NBA team in his career, commemorating yet another historic season in which Westbrook rose to fourth on the all-time triple-doubles list and averaged a triple-double for the season. One year after becoming just the second player besides Oscar Robertson to ever achieve that milestone, Westbrook finished with an average of 25.4 points, 10.3 assists and 10.1 rebounds per game while helping get a brand new group of teammates together to land the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Westbrook also became the Thunder’s all-time leader in total points scored and led the NBA in assists per game this past season.
  7. ^ In his first season in Oklahoma City, Paul George made his 4th career All-NBA team by averaging 21.9 points (the third most in his career) while shooting 40.1 percent from 3-point range (the second-best mark in his career). George made more three pointers in 2017-18 (244) than any other season in his career, while also providing his impressive, high-IQ defense. Finishing 2nd in the NBA in steals helped him receive 22 First Team votes and finishing 12th in voting totals for the All-Defensive Team.