If you go back to my beginning posts on this blog this was my starting point. OKC advancing to the NBA Finals by defeating the Spurs in six games. This is the fourth season since OKC made the Finals and the subsequent trade of James Harden to the Rockets. This season was to be the judgement season if OKC could remain healthy. Westbrook and Durant have both been mostly healthy so injuries cannot be used as an excuse this season.
Quite frankly, I’m growing weary of some of the local OKC usual suspect homers always making excuses for the Thunder. The lame excuse which states this shouldn’t be a judgement season simply because Golden State and San Antonio are having historical seasons is nonsense. I say this because OKC has already been swept by the Chicago Bulls. Lost to the Raptors at home. Lost to the Celtics at home. Lost to the Sacramento Kings at home. And just last night lost to the T Wolves at home.
Here we are four seasons later and while Westbrook and Durant are pretty much agreed to both be in the top four players of the league along with LeBron and Steph Curry–the team has regressed in multiple areas of play. OKC is not an elite team yet having what no other team in the league has–namely two top four players on the same team.
I’ve written it on here countless times–the inability of Sam Presti to find a legitimate two way shooting guard is at the top of my list as to why OKC has yet to reach its full potential with Westbrook and Durant playing alongside one another.
OKC in San Antonio tonight where the Spurs are 31-0 this season and 55-10 overall. Throw out OKC’s opening night win against the Spurs when it was LaMarcus Aldridge’s first game a Spur and here’s what OKC is combined against Golden State, San Antonio, Cleveland, the LA Clippers, and Toronto……3-7. Simply circle the 3-7 against the caliber of teams OKC would be facing in the second round and you have an honest appraisal of where this OKC squad ranks.
Thought I’d put the Game 6 WCF clincher up just to remember the NBA Finals season with a touch of nostalgia.