Oklahoma City Thunder: Where NBA National Scribes Power Rank OKC in Week 22
By Cole Hixon
After two good weeks of going a combined 5-1, the Oklahoma City Thunder, went just 1-2 this week. They lost in blowout fashion to the Warriors and Rockets.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a rough week getting blown out in their two prime-time games. Their perimeter defense was non-existent for much of the two games. Even when it did make an appearance it didn’t seem to matter much as both the Warriors and the Rockets were scorching hot from 3.
The lone win for the Thunder came in blowout fashion over the 76ers.
Russell Westbrook was able to notch his 35th and 36th triple doubles of the season. He is now just five back from tying Oscar Robertson for most in a season with 10 games left. He is almost assured to average a 30 point triple double for the season.
How did the losing week fair for the Thunder in the power rankings? Lets find out.
NBA.com – John Schuhmann
After a losing week Schuhmann moves the Oklahoma City Thunder down two spots to number seven.
"The Thunder are 6-2 since moving Taj Gibson into the starting lineup and their starting lineup has outscored its opponents by 16.4 points per 100 possessions over those eight games. But they remain a clear step behind the three best teams in the West and haven’t been able to climb into that 4-5 matchup, having allowed the Warriors and Rockets to score 120 points per 100 possessions (and shoot 32-for-63 from 3-point range) in losses last week.After recording his “perfect triple-double” (making all six of his shots) against the Sixers on Wednesday, Russell Westbrook is randomly shooting 50 percent against the Atlantic Division and 41 percent against the other five divisions."
ESPN.com – Marc Stein
The committee of one Marc Stein, keeps the Thunder in the ninth spot in his rankings.
"Sunday’s loss in Houston didn’t necessarily cost Russell Westbrook his shot at the MVP trophy, because voters are surely too shrewd to make a decision of this magnitude on a one-game basis. But it was a reminder that a first-round matchup with James Harden and the Rockets would not be ideal for the Westbrook and his Thunder, who have struggled to keep up with the offensive firepower Houston possesses and lost the season series 3-1.(Westbrook & Co. certainly won’t come out and say it, but sneaking into the 4-5 matchup with Utah to let their bigs tangle with the Jazz bigs would be much more preferable.)"
Sports Illustrated – Jeremy Woo
Jeremy Woo has the Oklahoma City Thunder falling two spots this week to seventh.
"OKC’s had a solid couple of weeks, but after losses to the Warriors and Rockets, they’re a combined 2–8 against the West’s top three teams this season. What’s the postseason ceiling?"
CBS Sports – Matt Moore
Matt Moore also elects to keep the Thunder in the same position as last week at eighth.
"Don’t be surprised if the Thunder are better in the playoffs than they’ve looked in the regular season, provided they don’t face Golden State. Their physical, rough-and-tumble, grind-it-out-and-win-with-defense style is better suited to a playoff environment."
With 10 games left the Thunder are tied with the Clippers in the loss column and 2 back of the Jazz. They will have a chance to move up the standings should they finish strong.
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
This week they have a loaded schedule. Starting Monday night at Dallas, Wednesday at Orlando and finishing up the week at home vs San Antonio Friday and Charlotte Sunday. Check back next week to see how they did!