OKC Thunder record easy win over Kings via True OK3 – 3 key takeaways

OKC Thunder learn from their mistakes

Last season the OKC Thunder struggled particularly when facing lower tier competition. Although the Thunder ended up claiming a top four seed had they won the games against the low end squads it’s plausible their seed would not only be higher, but they wouldn’t have needed to push Paul George and Russell Westbrook so hard done the stretch.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

This season the team has made a point to win the games which ‘on paper’ they should. To date, they’ve only lost two times to teams that are sub .500 and one of those squads isn’t the typical lower tier team. New Orleans features Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday both of whom are top talents (Davis an MVP candidate). Even the loss in Chicago, while avoidable, came down to the last play and a two point loss.

In contrast, last season the Thunder lost 11 times to teams who were lottery bound and many weren’t of the closely contested variety.

This is something which will pay dividends come season end and it’s gratifying to see the Thunder are learning from past mistakes.

Although I didn’t cite Paul George as a key takeaway his contributions were extremely important to the victory. His contributions this season are vital and the chemistry he Westbrook and Adams are forming is palpable.

George finished the night with a game high 43 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and hit half (4-8) of his shots from deep.

Next up for the OKC Thunder, they travel to Utah to play the Jazz on the front end of a back to back series which will finish Sunday at home as they host the Timberwolves.