OKC Thunder will play their first back-to-back of the season hoping to end a four game losing streak and finally get a win versus their own conference.
The loss in Denver represented the seventh time this season the OKC Thunder have lost Perhaps that wouldn’t seem like a big deal were it not for the fact it was just the team’s 12th game.
To date, the OKC Thunder have failed to beat an opponent in their Northwest division with loses to every team within it (Portand, Denver, Utah) and two to the Timberwolves. Those 5 losses plus the loss to Sacramento represent six of the seven L’s OKC have registered. Boston is the lone East squad to have beat the Thunder.
It was long presumed the OKC Thunder integration of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony would take some time. Yet, no one expected by game 12 wins versus the Knicks, Pacers, Bulls and Bucks would be all the team could lay claim to as successes this season.
Following the loss in Denver the players held a meeting to air things out. Clearly the problem isn’t defensive as the OKC entered the day with the second ranked defense in the league. Rather, the superstar powers who were added this offseason have failed to find chemistry. Sure, there are flashes like the brilliant first half against the Celtics, but more often that not players are standing as if stuck in quick sand on the court.
What exactly is the problem?
TI scribes have presumed the problem was tied to chemistry and a lack of depth upfront. But the combination of the Thunder’s defense and misfiring snipers pushes that item down the list.
Making matters worse Steven Adams left the court late in the fourth quarter when Paul Millsap fell into him, so his presence tonight is uncertain. Moreover, Patrick Patterson (who generally takes until December to round into form anyway) has not looked confident and isn’t moving well.
Perhaps it’s a naive view but it feels like one blowout victory over a Western team would knock that monkey off their backs. Tension is palpable now as Westbrook appears to be trying so hard to make things work that his passes are showing his nerves.
Paul George commented he was still adapting to the speed of the West and that of uber fast Westbrook. Others point to the isolation ball.
What is obvious, is this team needs to make a decision on who they are. What precisely is their identity? And should they be focusing on transition bal,l pushing pace because the half court offense sure doesn’t seem to be working.
Despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back the Thunder might finally have a little luck falling their way.
To wit, the opponent tonight is the LA Clippers who limp into town on a 3-game losing streak of their own. Milos Teodosic , Patrick Beverley and Danilo Gallinari are all out with the chance Austin Rivers may also be sidelined.
Factor in the bad blood which these teams seem to provoke from one another and this may be all the fuel OKC need.
With that let’s break it down.