Thunder in the News: Team bonding is easy when the 4-seed is theirs

All it takes is a few public appearances from the OKC Thunder to rejuvenate this particular fan.

I’m back on the bandwagon OKC Thunder Nation. This roller coaster ride has led me to many different feelings throughout the course of the season. With seven games left and a few days without Oklahoma City basketball, I can once again say I’m excited for the Playoffs.

Our expectations going into the regular season may have been a bit too optimistic. That’s okay – it shouldn’t stop us from believing in this team’s ability to shock the world in the Playoffs. What’s the newfound reason for my optimism? You’re about to find out.

Russ’ bowling event was one of many activities keeping players busy

I’m not afraid to admit that I’m letting off-the-court activities dictate my thoughts on what this team can do on-the-court. I’m a big believer in good vibes influencing team chemistry. If that truly is the case then the past couple of days have been extremely beneficial to OKC.

The Science Museum, a local bowling alley, a season-ticket holder party. These are all team/player activities that brought the Thunder out in the community and away from the basketball court. Like Raymond Felton said, these were opportunities to:

"“Events like this really helps us, but we get to help others too,” guard Raymond Felton grinned."

Let’s take a look at the standings

This also helps the Thunder’s cause. Both the Pelicans and Spurs lost last night, maintaining Oklahoma City’s stranglehold of the 4-seed. This is crucial for a few reasons.

1. Home court advantage in the first round. The Thunder have not been good on the road this season, but they’ve been great at home.
2. It keeps them away from the Warriors until a potential Conference Finals visit. Do I care about their injuries? No. Because even without Steph or KD, they would still b the favorites to win the title.
3. They’re still a game out from the 6-seed. I reallyyyyyyyy don’t want a Trail Blazers matchup in the first round. For more on that, read yesterday’s column.

What’s Billy Donovan been saying the last week?

And finally we take a look at new addition Noah Schulte’s first piece for Thunderous Intentions. Noah is going to take a look at the Thunder’s head coach weekly comments and concerns, even if that means changing the title next season ;). To carry on with the theme of this post, it will leave you feeling better about this team than you were a few minutes ago.

"Two backbreaking losses to the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers seems to have set Oklahoma City back. But if you listen to Billy Donovan’s comments, that isn’t how the team feels."

Next: Paul George opens up on Steven Adams' personality

That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! We’ve got more content over for you on our home page, including a deep dive into the final stretch run of the season and an update on Paul George’s recent media availability. Click those blue links, or just visit our home page to be inundated with all the OKC content your heart desires.