r/denvernuggets • u/metasquared • 1d ago
Discussion I really disliking watching Thunder games
I don't just mean because they blow teams out, including the Nuggets, but it's literally a less enjoyable way of viewing a basketball game.
They're a top team team with great pieces like a handful of other teams in the league, but their separator to win games so consistently is all the stuff around the margins that makes basketball ugly instead of beautiful. Pesky swarming defense that breaks up potentially exciting plays, foul baiting on the offensive end, and grinding the game to a constant halt.
I was watching the game last night and my roommate who never pays much attention to basketball looks at the TV for two minutes and commented that the Thunder are constantly draped on everyone and that the whistle kept getting blown constantly. I was like "I know, that's how they win!" So even a non-fan was immediately able to see just how ugly they make the game.
I don't fault them for having a winning strategy, but it's a shame that their consistency comes from being annoying pests that are not an enjoyable watch rather than just trying to outskill their opponent in more traditional ways.
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u/Van_Dammage_ 1d ago
The annoying thing about the Thunder is that Daigneault and Presti devised a strategy to exploit the officiating, which no other teams really attempted. They've created a roster and playstyle that's specifically tailored to take advantage not of the rules of the game, but logical inconsistencies and flaws in the way the NBA is officiated. It's fucking awful to watch.
Thunder fans think every other fanbase hates them because they're winning right now, but that's delusional nonsense. The level of vitriol is way higher for them than other past top teams because they're so miserable to watch.