Storm on the Horizon: Why The Thunder Will Win The Championship
While the Golden State Warriors seem like an impossible giant to overcome, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the perfect underdog poised to take down the defending champions.
The Thunder are heating up the Northwest division and have been a steady player in the Western conference all season. OKC is ranked third in the conference with a .633 win percentage, and are only four and a half games back from the conference-leading Golden State Warriors. In fact, with just under half of the season to go, Oklahoma City is only eight games back from the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks.
While the Thunder’s win percentage seems to put them on the outskirts of playoff conversation, they have a few tricks up their sleeve. Dominant starters, secret weapons, and new faces will give OKC the extra push required to overcome any playoff opponent.
Paul George is no doubt leading his team with his incredible production on both sides of the court that will come in handy as the playoffs approach. George is ranked first on the team and second in the league in points per game (28.6), while also being ranked first in the league in steals per game (2.29).
George is an invaluable asset to his squad and greatly improves the offensive output when he’s active on the court. Through the 2018–19 season, he has posted a +7.7 net rating for his team alongside a player efficiency rating of 24.59. His ability to lead his team down the stretch of the season is proof the the Thunder can’t be counted out.
Russell Westbrook is another pivotal piece of the Thunder squad that will lead them into the finals and take them all the way to the trophy. Westbrook is fifth in the league with 44 double-doubles on the season and leads the league with 25 triple-doubles. He’s also averaging 10.9 assists per game, which is 1.7 assists higher than the second place player (9.2, Kyle Lowry).
Westbrook is a major key in the OKC scheme due to his ability to find George on early, down-court, fast-break opportunities. Westbrook’s attacks in the paint often set the table for George to patiently make his way down court for the basket. While the pairing initially did not appear to be lucrative on paper, the two stars have found a way to mesh their contrasting styles and play to each others’ strengths.
Other important members of the Oklahoma City playoff-run include Steven Adams who is averaging 9.5 rebounds and 14.7 points per game while holding down the post. His level-headed playing style and familiarity with the play-calling make him a great second option as a leader on the floor.
Not to mention the recent acquisition of Markieff Morris whose shooting ability permits the Thunder to use him in schemes that allow them to stretch the floor from outside. With a shooting percentage of 43.4 through the season, he will continue to become an essential part of OKC’s playoff push.
Some would argue that the Thunder are a long shot for winning the championship. But OKC is arguably one of the teams with the best chemistry in the League going into the final portion of the season and that will carry them far. Oklahoma City is headed to the finals whether it is expected or not, and once they get there, they won’t be leaving without a title.
While some teams are made up of incompatible star power and others only have one shooter attempting to carry the team, the Thunder have all the necessary pieces for a giant-killer.
