Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Power rankings Week 14: OKC Thunder vault up ladder

By Tamberlyn Richardson

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended in the key by Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena on January 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Oklahoma City defeated Cleveland 148-124. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended in the key by Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena on January 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Oklahoma City defeated Cleveland 148-124. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 20: LeBron James
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 20: LeBron James /

In week 14 of  NBA power rankings lists pundits all jump on the OKC Thunder band wagon unanimously raising them up the ladder. Scribes ranked OKC Thunder with a high of 3rd and low of 8th.

The OKC Thunder sure do like to play “top” teams. The 148 points they dropped on a reeling Cavaliers squad led to a closed door meeting. Or a Kevin Love Roast, depending on which report you believe.

For all the adversity the OKC Thunder have faced this season (and Saturday sure served up the worst dip of the season – get well soon Dre) they’ve navigated it beautifully. Many industry insiders spoke of Carmelo Anthony’s class and professionalism in hindsight after he left the Mecca. OKC Thunder fans are getting a first hand taste of that this season.

Like some of the more talented stars who’ve moved to form super teams (Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love) it takes someone with strength of character and self to accept a new role. Some may call it needing to leave their ego at the door, but ultimately it comes down to being a team player.

Thomas – time to look in mirror:

And that friends is something obviously missing in Cleveland, and no I’m definitely NOT talking about Kevin Love. Like Melo, he’s been nothing but professional during his entire tenure in Cleveland. Shame on Isaiah Thomas for questioning him. Thomas had less than a handful of unspectacular games under his belt when the “fiery meeting” happened.

How about calling out Derrick Rose or your Celtics teammate who moved with you to Cleveland – Jae Crowder. Or better still, look in a mirror, keep your thoughts to yourself. Failing that, do what Grandma always said “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”

Thunder – Westbrook navigate turmoil with class:

I bring this Cavaliers turmoil up simply to point out the Thunder have been the most dissected team through the majority of the season. Not once has there been negative comments coming from the team. Hmmm- perhaps that’s because the leader (Westbrook) truly has his teammates backs and is doing what leaders should do – lead.

For as much as LeBron James is an athletic wonder, as analysts and fans we have to wonder just how great a leader he is. This situation punctuates that fact.  Perhaps, James just likes controversy, but as I’ve pointed to for close to two seasons now the Cavaliers are an abysmal defensive squad and barring massive roster changes and the fountain of youth they won’t be hoisting any hardware this summer, let alone an Eastern Conference banner.

Home/Thunder News