OKC Thunder gameday preview: Revenge week continues with the Kings on tap

Revenge seems to be the theme of the week as the OKC Thunder face the Sacramento Kings. Gameday previews the match and keys for success.

As the OKC Thunder hit the road for seven games in their next nine matches they’ll look to start this road heavy schedule segment off on a winning note in Sacramento versus the Kings.

Having played and lost to the Kings twice already this season OKC will be especially focused to take this match. Sacramento is much improved and isn’t slipping as the season progresses. It’s not uncommon for young teams to get a good jump on the season and then regress back to the mean. But, after 30 games and a third of the season in the books, it’s safe to assume the Kings are here to stay.

With a record of 16-14, the Kings are seeded ninth with an identical record to the Memphis Grizzlies. They’ve won six of their past nine games and are one of the few clubs with winning records both at home and on the road.

The OKC Thunder enter the match following an oust of the Chicago Bulls complete with a third quarter melee where even the Bulls coach got involved in the melee.

OKC isn’t the type of team who’ll back down from aggression and in fact, seemed buoyed by the activity.

Although Russell Westbrook continues to struggle with his shot mechanics and efficiency he isn’t allowing it to affect the other aspects of his game. He recorded his 111th career triple-double game in the win over Chicago.

Likewise, Paul George looks far more at ease in the Thunder system this season and much closer to the two-way player most expected when he arrived in OKC. It makes you wonder if George was downplaying how injured he was given how smooth and silky his jumper and game is this year.

Entering the match Sacramento Head Coach Dave Joerger made news referring to talented star De’Aaron Fox and rookie Marvin Bagley as “the next Westbrook -Durant”.

While that assessment feels like a stretch it should be noted the comment came on the heels of Joerger making a comment that suggested the Kings might’ve missed the mark by not drafting wunderkid Luka Doncic (you think?).

Still, there is a certain symmetry to the Fox – Westbrook comparison. As the teaser for keys to winning let’s just say it’s part of the keys to winning.

With that, let’s proceed to those keys…