Views from OKC is a daily diary about the current state of the OKC Thunder. Today we take a look at the rest of road trip and how it can be successful.
Four games. Four games until the new era of Thunder basketball plays in the postseason for the first time. This time we will be lead by a superstar who embraces the big moment. Untethered by Kevin Durant, it is highly likely Russell Westbrook will do something spectacular.
A spectacular Russell Westbrook won’t be enough for Oklahoma City to actually win a series though. Steven Adams has to play like he did in the playoffs last year. Victor Oladipo has to average close to 20 points a game. Jerami Grant has to be on the court 20 minutes a game.
This road trip won’t be defined by wins and losses. The Thunder are 3.5 games ahead of the Grizzlies and 2.5 games behind the Clippers; they’re set in the six seed. What’s important is that we see Russ’ supporting cast step up against inferior opponents.
MUST READ: Russell Westbrook is the hands-down league MVP
With games against the Suns, Nuggets and Timberwolves Doug McDermott, Domantas Sabonis and the other young role players have the opportunity to gain a little confidence right before the playoffs. Westbrook has essentially secured the scoring title so his main focus should be getting the Other Guys shots. Plus, why not bump that assist average in this historic season?
(jokes, he doesn’t stat pad)
Seriously though, it’s essential that Oladipo and Adams are used as primary offensive threats over these next three, four games. If they don’t have any rhythm running sets going into the playoffs the Thunder will be at a severe disadvantage against Houston. James Harden may be the focal point, but he can still rely on Eric Gordon, Lou Williams and Ryan Anderson to get there own shot from time-to-time. Without that Westbrook’s one-man show becomes much easier to stop in a seven-game series.
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Besides getting the ball out of Russ’ hands, Billy Donovan also needs to start playing his assumed playoff rotation heavily. Unlike the main contenders this team doesn’t need rest, they need as much repetition as possible. I want to see an eight or nine-man rotation at least one game just so the players have an idea what to expect come playoff time.
We’ve said it all season. Eight new players on the roster, five have never been in the playoffs. The Thunder are going to be at a severe disadvantage in terms of experience and skill – their advantage has to come from the tactical side. The Professor’s best move is to treat this last portion of the season as the playoffs.
When the spotlight shines on this team they fold: second half of the Spurs, last game against Houston, every Warriors game. Well the spotlight shines brightest in the postseason. If Billy D can make the players feel as if they are playing in the playoffs these last four regular season games it will ultimately help when they take the court against Houston.