This year I would like to see the Thunder make a deep playoff run. Here are some factors that can heavily affect this.
We try to get the team involved too much whenever we have a better play. We beat the Cavs but can’t beat a shorthanded Kings. Our offense is inconsistent, as well as our defense relying on wether Chet is at the rim or not. In the 4th Quarter we don’t feed Shai enough, Josh disappears, Chet doesn’t crash, and starters barely touch the ball early. Basically, if we are down by more than 10 in the 4th, we don’t stick to the fundamentals or the logical advances. We don’t run starters of let Shai run the game when it matters.
So, what will our record be towards the end of the season?
No, the Thunder aren’t contenders. We’ve looked good, yes, but over a seven game series, individual quality shines brighter. In reality, in my opinion, we should be looking to a) make the playoffs and b) give a good team a hard time. Whether that means getting past the first round, or losing in seven, six, or whatever it is, I don’t mind. Of course, it can all change with the right trades, or good personnel development. But right now, I’d imagine we’d lose to most teams with a physical center. Given likely matchups (Suns, Nuggets, Lakers? The west is a mess) I don’t looooove our odds, but hey! It’s very exciting to be in this position with such incredible upside.