OKC Thunder: 3 keys from loss in Sacramento offer positive takeaways

Despite the OKC Thunder 117-113 loss to the Kings, there are reasons to be feeling good. Key takeaways offer analysis and further explanation.

The OKC Thunder expected to be shorthanded in Sacramento to face the Kings. Each of Alex Abrines (illness), Terrance Ferguson (personal) and Nerlens Noel (illness) was listed as out. And, it was anticipated Russell Westbrook would miss his seventh game due to the birth of twin daughters Skye and Jordan. The Brodie surprised everyone however and suited up for the match against the Kings.

It feels weird to say given how bad they’ve been in recent years, but the Sacramento Kings are one of the more exciting young outfits in the league. Led by second-year guard De’Aaron Fox, they’ve run and gunned their way to a stunning 8-8 start. So when they met the red-hot OKC Thunder on Thursday night, it was bound to be a fun game–and it did not disappoint.

Though the Kings started out on absolute fire–particularly Iman Shumpert who is somehow still a decent player–and had a solid lead going into halftime, the OKC Thunder picked themselves back up and made it a close game by the end of the third quarter. Both teams traded buckets throughout most of the fourth until the Kings started pulling away toward their eventual victory at the end.

Even though the Thunder did end up losing the game, it was arguably one of the most promising games they’ve played in a while and it should give OKC fans everywhere a lot more hope for this season.

With all that said, here’s why supporters should be feeling optimistic right now and why the Thunder look poised for a great year.