Thunderous Intentions
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The OKC Thunder Triple Double Show is Proof of a Failed Coach

By Eric Snyder

Feb 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan reacts from the sidelines against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan reacts from the sidelines against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder
Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

After the All-Star break the Western Conference has proven to be a newfound land of opportunity.  What could have been a Thunder rise up the standings has become a plateau of mediocrity.

Satisfied Too Easily

Numbers don’t lie and the numbers this season show when Westbrook gets a Triple-Double, the Thunder usually win (25-6).  Comparatively, the Thunder have a horrible record without the Triple Double Show (11-23).

If coaching were a major contributing factor to the Triple Doubles, there wouldn’t be such a stark record difference when Russ doesn’t triple up.  In other words, Westbrook gets his numbers because he is incredible, not because his coach is.

OKC Thunder
Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

A consistent vision for the OKC Thunder would lead to consistency whether Westbrook was on fire or not.  Billy Donovan became satisfied early on with whatever Westbrook could accomplish for the team.

The end result has been a team who has sacrificed their individual goals to further the cause of a Russell Westbrook triple-double, not a Championship.  That may sound warm and fuzzy but it is further proof of a Coach who is not leading his team.

"Billy Donovan rolling the ball out to Westbrook in hopes of another stat busting performance is not good coaching."

Related: The Key to the OKC Thunder Season May Be the Utah Jazz

What about the Record?

A winning record and playoff contention does not automatically equal good coaching.  What would happen if this team didn’t have Russell Westbrook, but were in the playoff hunt?   All the credit would go to the Coach for his strategical mastery.

However, this team does have Westbrook and the record proves he is the reason they are in the playoff race.  Billy Donovan rolling the ball out to Westbrook in hopes of another stat busting performance is not good coaching.

On one hand, Billy Donovan has proven over time to be a good coach.  On the other, he hasn’t been the deciding reason the Thunder have won a single game this year.

Billy D has tried various lineups and rotations in search of the right combination throughout the season.  Yet, none of those changes matter.  The only way Billy Donovan can coach his team to victory is by giving the game over to Mr Triple Double.

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