In the news: OKC Thunder destruction of Cavaliers prompts spotlight shift
Two squads – heading in different directions?
Moving forward this particular game highlights how the OKC Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers may be headed in opposite directions. If I had to pick which option I’d rather be experiencing it’s a no brainer – the team showcasing growth and improvement.
For as much as titles aren’t won in November, they also aren’t won in March. That said, the teams who navigate the early stages of the season and figure out a way to deliver continual growth are the teams who’ll be best positioned come April.
My cohort Tony Heim touches on some of these factors in his ever brilliant 5 takeaways. This particular edition is a must read.
"Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning OKC’s actions. It’s not helpful in the quest for the three-seed that the Thunder have lost two games to Dallas. Those games are opportunities for Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to continue finding their offensive cohesion, not mini-vacations for the veterans. But when you compare those performances to the one we witnessed Saturday afternoon, you can’t help but get the feeling that the Playoffs are going to be magical (relatively speaking). This team lives for the big moment, and I expect them to play their best basketball once they hit postseason play."
Conversely, Cleveland have a myriad of problems to fix. Whether rumored trades occur or not the Cavaliers have to address their porous defense. Pundits may continue to cite the Cavs recent past as a warning this is just typical behavior. Yet, I’ll point you to some facts which highlight reason to believe this season LeBron and company won’t be able to simply flip a switch.
Of the Cavs remaining 37 games
- 19 games are versus currently seeded playoff squads
- an additional 7 games feature squads just on the periphery of the ladder and who historically play the Cavaliers well (Pistons, Denver, Knicks)
- Cleveland have a losing record on the road and have 17 games remaining to play on the road
- Furthermore, Cavs have a losing record versus the West and have another 15 games to play against them
- Combining the two above categories the Cavs play eight more games on the opposite coast
- Taking the playoff seeds, opposite coast non playoff road games and teams on the periphery that’s a total of 29 out of 37 games which Cleveland will have to be at their very best.
Last season comparison:
In comparison last season the Cavs played 20 playoff seeds plus 4 on the periphery. They played 7 games on the opposite coast. Cleveland completed this segment with a 21-16 record. There is no denying that team was better than this year’s squad and should they replicate their finish last season they would finish with a 48 – 34 record. Should the win percentage work out similarly to last season this would place Cleveland as the 5th seed. But, I wonder if this squad has the potential to beat so many upper echelon seeds and replicate their efforts.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Ultimately, of Cleveland’s 37 final games 29 are playoff seeds, opposite coast or sitting just outside the playoff ranks. This isn’t going to be an easy trek for LeBron and Co. And, if they are able to manage it how much energy will they need to invest just to retain a home court seed?
OKC Thunder remaining schedule:
As for the OKC Thunder, they can take the good time feelings from their trouncing of the Cavs. And as Tony Heim, points out a 6-1 record versus the top 4 seeds of both conferences is something they can take to the bank.
Bottom line, I’d rather be in the Thunder’s shoes needing to find inspiration to beat lottery teams while smacking the top teams. Of the Thunder’s 36 remaining games 21 are against current playoff seeds. In their final 18 games 13 are playoff seeds.
In other seasons that fact would worry me because of the effort required and fatigue amassed. But, then again as Paul George recently said – “I’ve never met a player with Russell Westbrook’s energy level, it’s constant”.
This week the OKC Thunder will host the suddenly hot Nets and Wizards and finish the week in a back-to-back versus Detroit on the road and Philly back home.
That’s it for in the news January 22nd. An extended version since I missed hitting you up on Sunday. Enjoy your week.