OKC Thunder week 4 power rankings – National list and TI’s top 10

OKC Thunder:

Glancing back, the prospect of winning without Russell Westbrook the past two seasons was laughable. Russ couldn’t sit for 10 minutes without double-digit leads being coughed up. This was also true last season despite the addition of Paul George.

Cut to this season and the benefit of constancy and depth is paying dividends. Sure, it was expected the Thunder would be a top ranked defense, but to already be ranked second prior to Andre Roberson‘s return speaks to the athleticism and identity of the Thunder.

Sure, the team has benefitted from an easy strength of schedule, but again those were the very squads who the Thunder couldn’t defeat last season with Westbrook.

Shooting remains a concern as does the fact the Thunder while the second ranked defense don’t display the same proficiency in opponent field goal percentage. What that might say however is OKC is forcing opponents to shoot the types of shots they dictate. Still, the return of Westbrook should result in improvements from the reserve unit (yes please – limit Raymond Felton sightings) and Andre Roberson will only solidify an already top notch defense.

Factors:

Offensive Rating: 19th
Defensive Rating:  2nd
Net Differential: 9th
Offensive field goal efficiency: 44.1 percent
Opponent field goal efficiency:  45.1 percent
Win/Loss: Defeated Pelicans, Cavaliers and Rockets prior to losing in Dallas which ended the seven game win streak.
Record: 7-5
Injuries: Russell Westbrook out entire week and Andre Roberson remains out recuperating.