Thunder enter NBA playoffs respectful of everyone but fearful of no one

OKLAHOMA CITY — On the eve of his playoff debut, couldn’t wait to take the court. “I’m very anxious,” the star said Saturday, ahead of Game 1 Sunday against the . “I’m ready to play, ready to get it on. I’m excited for it. I wouldn’t say nervous. But I’m anxious, for sure.” Advertisement Holmgren and the Western Conference’s top-seeded Thunder had six days off after closing the regular season last Sunday. Rest helped. Holmgren’s focus remained.

An appearance would be applauded, appreciated even. A sea of fans would greet players at the airport in the middle of the night as the tradition goes here. But the mission wouldn’t be accomplished. At some point, all the Thunder promise for tomorrow must materialize into a parade. Here, there’s unfinished business from 2011 and ’12. There’s regret from 2014 and, of course, the ghost of 2016. The same people who still wear those scars have now poured their hope into this year’s baby-faced group.

United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Three things we learned as Pelicans stifle Kings to face Thunder in NBA playoffsBrandon Ingram led New Orleans with 24 points, while five other Pelicans players scored double-digit figures.
Source: The Athletic UK - 🏆 123. / 51 Read more »

NBA Power Rankings: Thunder move up as playoffs near; what’s next for each team?Zach Harper predicts what comes next for each NBA team
Source: The Athletic UK - 🏆 123. / 51 Read more »

Thunder’s return to NBA playoffs is an ahead-of-schedule arrival, not an appearanceTwo seasons ago, the Thunder were the poster franchise for the tanking epidemic. Now, they're the No. 1 seed in the West.
Source: The Athletic UK - 🏆 123. / 51 Read more »

Wild NBA regular season ends with a thriller in New York, blowouts and Thunder atop WestMore was up for grabs at game No. 82 than at any point in the league’s 77-year history.
Source: The Athletic UK - 🏆 123. / 51 Read more »

NBA final day: Oklahoma City Thunder clinch Western Conference top seed for play-offsThe Oklahoma City Thunder settle a historic contest for the top seed in the Western Conference on the final day of the NBA's regular season.
Source: BBCSport - 🏆 111. / 51 Read more »

NBA round-up: Boston Celtics beat Oklahoma City Thunder to secure top spotThe Boston Celtics secure home court advantage for the NBA play-offs by clinching the top seed place.
Source: BBCSport - 🏆 111. / 51 Read more »