Suspensions throw off usual rotations
In pregame, Thunder coach threw out at least three suggestions for who could take the place of in OKC’s rotation.
“Could be could be could be
could be any one of those guys,” Donovan said. With Schroder and
suspended one game after coming off the bench during a third-quarter altercation in the Thunder’s 121-96 win against Chicago on Monday, Donovan had to make changes to his usual rotations.
George usually plays the entire first quarter, but Abrines came in for him with 5:12 left in the period. George later came back to close the quarter with and Abrines. George acted as the
Erik Horne STAFF WRITER
primary ballhandler to start the second quarter, helping the Thunder extend its lead to as much as nine with a nifty drive and pass to Abrines for a corner 3-pointer, one of four firsthalf assists for the MVP candidate.
Grant’s rotation was also set off by the suspensions, as he played the entire first quarter without missing a shot, scoring eight points.
Schroder’s rotation minutes were spread primarily between Ferguson and Abrines, who combined for 13 first-half points.
Abrines had nine 3-pointers through three quarters, his highest scoring output since Nov. 30.
Thunder tech fest
The technical fouls are piling up for
With 9:08 left in the first quarter, Westbrook argued for a foul call and was docked for a technical foul, his ninth of the season in just 22 games.
NBA rules state that players can accumulate 15 technical fouls before having to serve a one-game suspension.
Diallo also received a technical foul in the second quarter for arguing an offensive foul call.
Joerger clarifies Durant-Westbrook statement
This week, Sacramento coach was roasted for saying that Mavericks rookie
had no ceiling. “I don’t see it, unfortunately for us,” Joerger said.
The Internet took that as a slight to Kings management, who passed on Doncic at No. 2 overall to draft
In clarifying his comments this week, Joeger then stepped into another mini-controversy, saying in three days that wouldn’t be a story and that “it’ll definitely be buried five years from now when we have the next
Joerger was talking about Bagley and point guard
On Wednesday, Joerger clarified those comments. He wasn’t comparing Bagley to Durant as a player, but in the impact the duo can have on a city, similar to what Durant and Westbrook did in Oklahoma City.
Next up
The Thunder has an off day Thursday before heading to Salt Lake City, where it will play the Jazz on Saturday.
Cam Newton to sit against Falcons
The Panthers are shutting down quarterback
for at least one game and possibly the remainder of the season due to a lingering right shoulder problem.
Coach said will make his first career start when Carolina hosts the Falcons on Sunday. Newton will be inactive.
Rivera said Wednesday the team hadn’t made a decision about Newton’s status for Week 17 at New Orleans.
The Panthers (6-8) have lost six straight games and dropped out of playoff contention as Newton has struggled with an unknown shoulder issue. He had surgery in March of 2017 to repair a partially torn rotator cuff and has had problems ever since.
Bengals aim to limit Mayfield in second matchup
The previous time the Bengals tried to stop former Oklahoma star he set a Browns rookie record with four touchdown passes in little more than half a game. He also gave a cold shoulder to his former head coach, while leaving the field.
The Bengals are looking for anything positive at the end of another bad season. Containing Mayfield on Sunday would qualify.
Cincinnati (6-8) has been eliminated from playoff contention for the third season in a row. It’s the intrastate rival Browns (6-7-1) who are barely still in contention with two games left, emerging from their historically bad run of losses as their rookie quarterback grows up a little more each week — and builds a reputation, too.
Asked what Mayfield does best, cornerback
had an immediate answer.
“Talk,” Kirkpatrick said Wednesday.
“Naw, he’s cool,” the cornerback added. “I like to see that out of young guys. He definitely gets in guys’ heads. That’s what this game is about.”
Broncos place Harris on IR
With Denver out of playoff contention and facing a slew of injuries at cornerback, the Broncos placed former Bixby High School star on injured reserve and signed free agent who was released by the Chargers earlier this season.
Harris sustained a chip fracture in his lower right leg two weeks ago and was hoping to return for the Broncos’ final game, Dec. 30 against the Chargers, but that was only if Denver remained in contention.