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New Year’s Resolutions: Oklahoma City Thunder Edition

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New Year’s Resolutions: Oklahoma City Thunder Edition


The brand new yr is upon us. It’s a time of remembrance, of recent beginnings, and constructive change. As 2023 approaches, there are a couple of resolutions that the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder would possibly need to think about.

A decision is a promise to your self to do or to not do one thing in hopes of bettering oneself. The phrase descends from the Latin phrase, “resolvere,” which means to loosen or launch.

These guarantees are normally accompanied by objectives – objectives designed to loosen or launch a person, or on this case, a franchise, from undesirable penalties.

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Listed here are three resolutions Oklahoma Metropolis can undertake in 2023.

Get One other Massive Man

Do you know that the Thunder have allowed essentially the most rebounds per 100 possessions? They permit the eighth-most factors within the paint, too. This can be a byproduct of getting ill-equipped and undersized facilities on the roster whereas enjoying within the Western Convention.

Aleksej Pokusevski is a real seven-footer, however he weighs in at simply 210 kilos. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is listed at 230 kilos however is simply 6-foot-9, doesn’t have loads of size, and lacks the best mobility to defend perimeter gamers. Jaylin Williams is a rookie that has an intriguing offensive sport and brings an unimaginable mixture of dimension and intelligence to the desk however is proscribed by his dimension, relative lack of athleticism, and inexperience.

Mike Muscala is much like Robinson-Earl however is the higher flooring spacer and is taller, however simply doesn’t reduce it on protection and at 31 years outdated, doesn’t match the Thunder’s timeline long-term. And the Thunder appeared to have already moved on from fourth-year mission, Darius Bazley. Sure, a completely wholesome Chet Holmgren might be becoming a member of the group subsequent yr, however it’s by no means clever to imagine and it by no means hurts to make upgrades to a struggling frontcourt.

So given the totality of the circumstances surrounding Oklahoma Metropolis’s frontcourt, the addition of a extra formidable huge man may assist the Thunder squeeze essentially the most out of their present season. It’s been some time for the reason that franchise has had an impactful heart that might rim-run, seize boards, and shield the paint.

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Play Each Quarter Likes It’s the Third Quarter

The Thunder are placing up the fifth-most factors per 100 possessions within the third quarter, however rank within the backside 10 in factors scored in each different body, time beyond regulation excluded. If Head Coach Mark Daigneault can bottle no matter magic is occurring and solid that very same spell on the remainder of the sport, the Thunder may actually take an enormous leap as a group.

Per sport, Oklahoma Metropolis is scoring 30.7 factors within the third body, which ranks second proper behind the Memphis Grizzlies. That is because of an energetic protection and an emphasis on rebounding that’s giving the Thunder further possessions. The Thunder are additionally capitalizing on their alternatives as nicely, taking pictures 48.9% from the sector, 37% on 8.5 3-point makes an attempt, and changing 83.2% of their 5.5 journeys to the free throw line.

Unleash Tre Mann

After a formidable run of video games to cap off 2021-22 that showcased all of what Tre Mann needed to provide, you’d suppose the Thunder would have tried to faucet into {that a} bit extra this season. That hasn’t been the case.

Sure, the 6-foot-5 ankle-breaker is averaging over 20 minutes per sport this season, however has a utilization price of simply 21.1% and is taking simply 9 photographs per sport. Simply 9. A rhythm shooter like Mann wants extra of a runway to interrupt his sport open.

Mann has poured in 17 factors for the Thunder in every of his final two contests and is coming off of back-to-back monster video games he performed within the G League. On December twenty first, Mann scored 35 factors and went 7-for-11 from downtown. The following night time, Mann dropped a cool 40-piece on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

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Because the Thunder inch nearer to the top of the season and into Mann’s third yr within the NBA, it could be a disgrace to not discover all of his potential and stifle his growth. So let Mann fly and see what he might be. Which means giving him extra minutes and an even bigger function this season and the entrance workplace could should make some modifications for that to occur, however he might be an enormous a part of the way forward for this franchise.


Need to be part of the dialogue? Like SI Thunder on Fb and follow us on Twitter to remain updated on all the most recent Thunder information. You may also meet the group behind the protection.





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OKC Thunder Mount Late Comeback En Route to Game 5 Victory Over Denver

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OKC Thunder Mount Late Comeback En Route to Game 5 Victory Over Denver


With the series tied at two apiece, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets squared off for a Game 5 battle in Oklahoma City. It was another competitive battle that ended in a comeback victory in favor of the Thunder, winning 112-105.

The duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray was in the spotlight of this matchup, combining for 72 points. Despite having one of the best defenses in the NBA, there was nothing Oklahoma City could do to shut Denver’s star duo down.

A quick start for the Thunder was quickly answered by Jamal Murray and the Nuggets in the first half. Everything was clicking for Oklahoma City to open the game, going up by eight points early. Murray, Nikola Jokic and company quickly led their squad back to erase that early deficit.

Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got out to a brutal start for such an important game. He started going 2-for-9 from the field with six points, struggling to see his shots fall. Luckily for him, his All-Star companion, Jalen Williams, was hot. He opened the game with 11 points on a much nicer 50% percentage, but that didn’t stop the Nuggets from creating a respectable lead.

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With seconds waning off the clock in the second quarter, the lead for the Denver Nuggets was increasing. Jokic and Murray were scoring with ease and the lead eventually ballooned to 11 points. The Thunder needed a response to close out the half anywhere on the roster and luckily, that happened.

Rebounding was an issue for the Thunder, losing that stat battle 49-43. They allowed 16 offensive rebounds compared to their eight, one area where Oklahoma City left some points on the board.

Buckets from Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace brought the deficit back to within two points heading into halftime. It was an important late scoring run for the Thunder that made things much closer going into the final 24 minutes.

Jokic was a clear standout in this game at every point. He finished the night with 44 points, 15 rebounds and five assists on 17-for-25 shooting. He was dominant on the offensive end and put up a vintage stat line, reminiscent of his past MVP seasons.

For the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander came up huge. He finished the game with 31 points on 12-for-23 shooting, adding six rebounds and seven assists. Gilgeous-Alexander did everything he could to help his team win, contributing on defense as well.

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The start of the third quarter was simply a disaster for the Thunder. The same Denver duo was cooking on offense and there was nothing the OKC defense could do to stop it. Jokic and Murray were proving why they are two of the best playoff players in the league with their overall performances.

Oklahoma City responded slightly, but still trailed by eight points heading into the final quarter. They were going to need their stars, including Williams and Holmgren, to step up big down the stretch.

Williams and Holmgren were far too quiet throughout most of this game. After an 11-point start for Williams, he went scoreless through the beginning of the fourth quarter. He did hit some clutch shots down the stretch, however, finishing the game with 18 points. Holmgren finished the night with 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting,

While those two struggled, guard Alex Caruso continued his offensive and defensive contributions off the bench for the Thunder. He finished the game with 13 points and four rebounds on 4-for-10 shooting, making his presence felt while guarding on the other end of the floor.

In need of an offensive spark, the Oklahoma City Thunder found sanctuary in guard Lu Dort. He knocked down three straight triples for the Thunder to bring them within two points halfway through the fourth quarter. It gave Paycom Arena energy, as well as the team, allowing them to close the gap and lock down on defense.

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Some big triples from Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander, along with good defense in the final minute, helped the Thunder earn the tough victory.

An even more important Game 6 tips off 7:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 15 on the road in Denver.



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Saving the USS Batfish is a smart investment in Oklahoma’s history, tourism | Opinion

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Saving the USS Batfish is a smart investment in Oklahoma’s history, tourism | Opinion


Nearly every Oklahoman has a story about the Batfish. For decades, the USS Batfish has anchored itself in the hearts of families, children, veterans and history lovers across our state. It’s more than a historic vessel ― it’s a tourism asset that has drawn visitors from across the country and served as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of our military service members. Preserving the Batfish is not just about protecting a landmark; it’s about ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made by those who helped shape Oklahoma and our nation.

The Batfish is no ordinary exhibit. This World War II submarine is a national treasure, known for accomplishing an extraordinary feat ― sinking three enemy submarines in just 76 hours. That achievement made the Batfish legendary in naval history and helped shift the tide of war in the Pacific. After the war, the submarine found its permanent home in Muskogee, where it quickly became one of Oklahoma’s most beloved and unique historical attractions.

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For years, the Batfish served as an immersive museum experience. Visitors walked its narrow passageways, stood in its control room and gained a visceral appreciation for the bravery of those who served. But that experience has been on hold since 2019, when severe flooding damaged and displaced the vessel. Without urgent action, this iconic symbol of military valor risks being lost forever.

Thankfully, we have a clear and promising path forward. A plan is in place to relocate the Batfish to Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor and incorporate it into the forthcoming Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum. This visionary project not only ensures the Batfish’s restoration and preservation ― it transforms it into the centerpiece of a new, premier cultural destination that will honor veterans, educate visitors and boost Oklahoma’s tourism economy for generations to come.

Tourism is one of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing and most impactful industries, contributing a record $11.8 billion in visitor spending in 2022. Before the floods, the Batfish welcomed tens of thousands of visitors annually who supported local restaurants, hotels and businesses. With restoration and strategic placement near the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, the Batfish will help establish Muskogee as a vibrant cultural and historical hub.

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Yet even more than the economic return, this effort is about respect ― for the men and women who wore the uniform, and for future generations who deserve to learn from their stories. When a student steps aboard the Batfish, they’re not just seeing a submarine; they’re experiencing history, understanding sacrifice and drawing inspiration.

Together, we can protect a legacy, grow our economy and invest in a future that celebrates the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of Oklahoma.

Sterling Zearley is the executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

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CBC Global Ammunition Selects Oklahoma for $300 Million Investment – Oklahoma Department of Commerce

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CBC Global Ammunition Selects Oklahoma for 0 Million Investment – Oklahoma Department of Commerce


The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Governor Kevin Stitt announced at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Investment Summit that CBC Global Ammunition, one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the world, is expanding its operations with a planned $300 million investment for a new facility at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in northeast Oklahoma. The project is expected to create 350 jobs.

“Oklahoma is so excited that CBC USA is going to make its home here,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Because of our business-friendly policies, our support of law enforcement and the Second Amendment, and our unbeatable logistical advantage, it is a no-brainer for companies to choose our state. I’m thrilled to welcome the CBC team here and I can’t wait to watch them grow here in Oklahoma.”

CBC, the holding company for an international group in the ammunition sector, is one of the world’s leading producers of military and civilian ammunition for portable weapons. A key supplier to the United States military and allied forces worldwide, CBC also serves law enforcement and commercial markets. MagTech Ammunition Inc. acts as its master distributor in the U.S. for all brands within the group.

“We are thrilled to bring our new manufacturing operations to Oklahoma,” said Fabio Mazzaro, President of CBC and board member of CBC Global Ammunition. “This facility will be a cornerstone for our future growth in the world’s most important market for small caliber ammunition. With in-house production of all components, propellant and critical energetic raw materials we envisage to build an industry-leading and fully vertically integrated company. We believe that the region’s supportive business environment makes Oklahoma an ideal location for CBC USA.”

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Globally, CBC has more than 4,000 employees and produces nearly two billion rounds of ammunition each year. The new Oklahoma facility will be capable of producing all centerfire cartridges, from 9mm up to 12.7mm, and will supply law enforcement, U.S. military and the U.S. sports and hunting market.

“This is a perfect example of what can happen when we work together to benefit Oklahoma,” said John Budd, Oklahoma Department of Commerce CEO. “Gov. Stitt, the Legislature, the Commerce team and all our partners have put in the work to create the ideal business environment for ammunition manufacturers like CBC to thrive. This win is huge for Oklahoma’s rapidly growing Aerospace and Defense industry, and I’m thankful for the work the MidAmerica team did to make this win possible.”

CBC will build its new manufacturing facility on more than 550 acres at MidAmerica Industrial Park within the historic land originally used as a munitions factory during World War II. The ground-breaking is expected to take place in the 4th quarter of 2025.

“MidAmerica Industrial Park has a long and storied history of supporting our nation’s defense, dating back to its origins as a munitions facility during World War II. Today, with CBC Global Ammunition’s investment, we are witnessing the next chapter in that legacy—one that positions MidAmerica as a key player in the future of ammunition manufacturing. This project not only reinforces our commitment to economic growth and job creation in Oklahoma but also underscores the strategic advantages MidAmerica offers to global manufacturers seeking to expand in the Nation’s heartland,” said MidAmerica Industrial Park CEO David Stewart. “We are proud to welcome CBC Global Ammunition and look forward to supporting their success in Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma was able to seal the deal with CBC thanks in large part to the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund. This incentive is performance-based, with funds distributed only after agreed-upon benchmarks are achieved. Over the past three years, companies participating in the closing fund have created 2,400 jobs with a GDP contribution of $400 million.

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About CBC Global Ammunition
CBC Global Ammunition is the holding company for several renowned brands in the small-caliber ammunition sector, including CBC, Magtech, MEN and Sinterfire, as well as New Lachaussée and Fritz Werner – two internationally recognized companies specialized in machinery for ammunition production. CBC Global Ammunition serves a wide range of segments: Military, Law enforcement, Sport shooting, Self-defense, and hunting. With more than 4,000 skilled professionals across Brazil, the USA, Germany, Belgium, and India, and an annual output of nearly 2 billion rounds, CBC is one of the world’s largest and most respected ammunition manufacturers.



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