OKC Thunder: Reason for optimism – top 5 takeaways from game 1 loss

Despite posting a loss in the season opener the OKC Thunder learned valuable lessons and have reason to be encouraged moving forward.

When the powers that be sat down to select four teams to feature for 2018-19 NBA opening night logically the would include two Eastern and two Western Conference teams. Moreover, the reigning champion Golden State Warriors would fill one spot. For the east, it also made sense to tap the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers given the departure of LeBron James to the Lakers. This left one spot to be filled and the OKC Thunder were the natural selection competing likely with just the Houston Rockets as the other option.

If we consider the brain trust’s thought process they wanted to kick off the season with a bang. While the Rockets pushed the Warriors to seven games last year would’ve made for an entertaining match, the story lines between the Dubs and Thunder offered much more meat to gnaw on.

Clearly, in no scenario was Russell Westbrook in street clothes sitting on the bench recovering from a knee procedure. Rather, it stands to reason the hope was actual steam would be visible exiting the Brodie’s ears as he was forced to watch Kevin Durant receive a second consecutive championship ring. Or, how much that experience would fuel the game’s most athletic and virulent competitors take on his angst on said nemesis.

Still, without Westbrook or the top defender Andre Roberson available and big man Steven Adams hobbled due to back stiffness the game offered plenty to ruminate over.

With that, let’s dive into the five takeaways the OKC Thunder garnered from the match.