NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder: Why They Are A Threat To The Warriors
The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a great off-season. The Thunder were able to retain Paul George’s services and upgrade their bench. They were able to trade away a disgruntled Carmelo Anthony, who wasn’t happy with his role last season. Now, they can shift their focus on trying to dethrone the Golden State Warriors. Here are a few reasons why they are a threat to the Warriors.
There’s Bad Blood Between The Thunder And Warriors
Everyone knows the key to beating the Warriors from a mental standpoint is you have to be fearless and go all in. The Thunder, led by its franchise player and fiery leader, Russell Westbrook, aren’t intimidated by the Warriors. In fact, whether they’ll admit it publicly or not, they hate them.
Those reasons alone are why the NBA smartened up and scheduled a Thunder and Warriors showdown for opening night. The intensity will be at an all-time high, as the Warriors will receive their championship rings.
It’s a great opportunity for the Thunder to set the tone for their season and beat them at Oracle Arena. It worked for the Houston Rockets last year, as they went on to win 65 games. So like Westbrook always says- Why not?
A Much Improved Bench Should Give The Thunder A Lift
Last season, the Thunder were pretty top heavy when it came to their rotation. Their two most consistent bench players were Jerami Grant and Raymond Felton. Despite that, the Thunder gave the Warriors some problems last season, winning the first two games of their four-game regular season series in blowout fashion.
This summer, they’ve improved their bench by adding Nerlens Noel and acquiring Dennis Schroder from the Atlanta Hawks. Both guys should definitely help them. Schroder is best suited as a backup point guard. He can handle the basketball, plays with explosiveness, and he’s athletic. He also can play with Westbrook in the backcourt at times as well. Expect him to bring life to the Thunder’s bench as a sixth man.
Noel can definitely help the Thunder as well. He’s athletic and can defend the pick and roll. Offensively, he should also be a lob target at the rim for easy dunks. Plus, he’s a low risk, potentially high reward signing for the Thunder. He also gives them insurance at center position if Steven Adams is banged up or is in foul trouble.
The Thunder didn’t just add Schroder and Noel. They were able to keep Felton and Grant, who possibly will start at power forward this season. Their bench is definitely good enough to compete with any second unit in the NBA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder Are Banking On Improved Team Chemistry
It isn’t talked about a lot, but the chemistry for the Thunder wasn’t where it needed to be last season. Anthony was complaining about his role, George and Westbrook were learning how to play together, and Andre Robertson, their best perimeter defender, went down to injury. The chemistry on and off the court should be much better for the Thunder.
With George and Westbrook staying for the foreseeable future, that’ll also help in the chemistry department. They now can focus on trying to bring the franchise its first NBA championship.
The pieces are there to put the full-court press on the Warriors. Don’t count them out because they have a good of a shot as any to dethrone them. The Warriors better be aware because the Thunder are coming.
