Even amidst a two-losing skid, it’s nonetheless truthful to say Oklahoma City has succeeded expectations via 26 video games this season. The Thunder sit at No. 12 in a bunched up Western convention with a report of 11-15.
Granted, it’s taken Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking part in like an MVP candidate for the Thunder to tug off a majority of its wins. But there’s nonetheless clearly items in place and potential on the ground, and it looks as if Oklahoma City exhibits one thing new each sport. There are the wow-moments from OKC’s youthful core, coming from each the beginning lineup and the bench. With these moments, although, there are some large time rising pains and a steep studying curve. It’s onerous to inform precisely what this Thunder crew is at this level, outdoors of a enjoyable squad to observe.
At 11-15, Oklahoma City’s is escaping the underside pack of NBA groups with 5 squads sitting at eight wins or fewer. This younger Thunder crew has the identical report as groups just like the Bulls and the Lakers, and there are many groups inside putting distance in each conferences. It’s clear that administration isn’t dying to make the play-in, and a few nights clearly present the roster isn’t absolutely prepared. Oklahoma City routinely will get dominated on the boards, and there’s not many choices when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inevitably has to relaxation throughout video games.
The random wins actually add up, although. Despite two straight losses, two sudden highway wins nonetheless depart the Thunder in an fascinating spot heading into the Holiday season. Oklahoma City has an uncommon seven-game stretch of residence video games beginning Wednesday and spanning till December 27. Returning to play in entrance of the house followers ought to be large momentum for the gamers in a defining stretch of the season.
If the Thunder have been to go on a house win streak, stacking collectively just a few victories earlier than Christmas and enhancing Gilgeous-Alexander’s All-NBA marketing campaign, it might be actually troublesome to change gears in direction of improvement and the draft. Too a lot pleasure would construct surrounding each SGA and the Thunder’s full competence for 2 full months, not pulling any gears or levers.
If Oklahoma City have been so as to add just a few extra deflating losses to the overall, both by the use of blowout or video games that felt winnable, the Thunder could possibly be proper close to the underside as soon as once more, although. Running out of gasoline down the stretch and easily not having sufficient depth has been an actual difficulty. There’s nothing dangerous in regards to the youngest crew within the NBA shedding shut video games… but.
The Thunder’s younger core is actually able to both path. We’ve seen Oklahoma City’s justifiable share of spectacular victories, like a pair of highway wins three days aside in opposition to the Knicks and the Wizards, elevating expectations a lot increased for some. There’s been the inevitable duds although, too, just like the Thunder’s no-show in a double digit loss to Houston just a few weeks in the past.
Either means, the seven-game residence stretch on deck may go a great distance in figuring out Oklahoma City’s path for the remainder of the season. If the Thunder discover a residence groove and a protracted win streak, it might be onerous to tug the plug on this younger, proficient crew. The competitors is stiff although, and if the Thunder begin to fall behind, the lottery sweepstakes are nonetheless at an arms attain.
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