Oklahoma City Thunder: First Half Report Card
The team I predicted to win the NBA Championship this season currently has the best record in the entire NBA with a 27-7 mark. The trendy Thunder have cruised through the first half of the season without a hitch. At this point in the year, the San Antonio Spurs trail the Thunder by three games in the Western Conference race, and that was including the Spurs 11-game win-streak to draw within striking distance.
Kevin Durant is the best basketball player on the face of the earth, period. His numbers and game has finally risen to a level that nobody else in the league can reach. Durant’s clutch gene is seconded only by Kobe Bryant, but the Lakers legend is getting old, fast. LeBron James wishes he had the ability to score at will near the end of regulation but he defers almost always. And the reigning MVP is too young and has been injured too often this season to enter Durant’s level. If the season ended today, KD would be walking away with the league MVP, as he is already leading the league in points per game at 28 a night.
Russell Westbrook is definitely Robin to Durant’s Batman, just don’t tell Russ that. The Thunder point guard believes he is the best player in the league and who is going to tell him differently? Not me. I love the kid, especially when he attacks the rim with great feroicty and aggressiveness. Westbrook is without a doubt a top-3 point guard in the game right now, but his selfishness for somebody at his position is unprecedented. Westbrook believes he is just as good as Durant and will show everyone through the amount of shots he hoists up per night. In fact, amidst Durant’s career-high night of 50 points, Westbrook actually took more shots than KD that game! Surprised? Don’t be, head coach Scott Brooks wants his point guard to be selfish.
In fact, right now the Thunder are in line to grab every major award the NBA has to offer. KD already walked away with the All-Star Game MVP Award, and he will also be seeking the league MVP at the conclusion of the 2012 season. Scott Brooks will be seeking the Coach of the Year Award if his team can remain on top, as they are presently. Also, with the best record in basketball the Thunder are looking for the biggest award of them all, the NBA Championship trophy.
At this point in the season, I must give the Thunder a grade of an A+. They have the best record in the league and possess two of the best players in the entire NBA on their team.
Not to mention, OKC has an up-and-comer by the name of Serge Ibaka who has set the league on fire in stretches. In fact, this season Ibaka recorded a triple-double with an astounding 11 blocked shots as part of his 10+ points and 10+ rebounds on the night. However, the most underrated player on this team and maybe in the west is James Harden. The former Arizona State product has made the transformation to the next level in his game and is on the cusp of being a star in the league. With a group that is as talented as the Thunder are, there is not much need to grow anymore than they are. It is all about finally putting it together and stringing together some NBA Titles, which I believe they will do this season. Don’t go outside looking for the storm when you can hear the Thunder coming.
Follow Tony Piraro on Twitter @TonyPiraro
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