Thunderous Intentions
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In the news: OKC Thunder poised to challenge Warriors

By Tailor Finney

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to pass the ball over the top of Quinn Cook #4 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 21, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to pass the ball over the top of Quinn Cook #4 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 21, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder in the news features OKC cited as Warriors top threat, Westbrook’s whiplashing offense, and Patterson’s fifth dunk of the season.

The Russell Westbrook bandwagon is in shambles following his recent offensive struggles. His shot selection and painful free throw shooting emptied the wagon before a 40-point game filled it right back up. Is this inconsistency a cause for concern for OKC Thunder?

Well, if you’re a true fan, of course not.

ESPN’s Royce Young outlined Westbrook’s recent struggles in his article. Young highlights Russ’ performance on Dec. 30, a 2-point loss in which he missed a clutch-time jumper to win the game, as well as a few others.

Young’s analysis attributes these struggles to the new identity on defense that Russ has cultivated as Paul George excels offensively. Without the pressure of needing huge offensive games out of Westbrook this season, he’s been able to expand his game play but not without a little trial and error.

"Westbrook has worked to refine and adjust his approach this season, and it has not been without its bumps. It’s for the greater good, tipping the scales of the roster a bit in the meantime, but once — or maybe, if — it all eventually aligns, the Thunder will really have something. Westbrook’s career has been about conquering inconsistencies, overcoming inefficiencies and filling the gaps to make up for what he lacks. The harder something is and the more he’s doubted, the more he responds.“If it was somebody different, that didn’t have that kind of will and drive and belief and determination,” Donovan said, “it maybe would concern me a little bit more. It doesn’t with him because he thrives on stuff like this. He thrives on challenges.”"

Could OKC stop a fifth championship for Warriors?

Marc Stein released a newsletter for the New York Times with a rather interesting hot take: OKC Thunder could be the most threatening team for Golden State this season. Chris Bengel wrote for 247Sports.com to discuss the claim.

Bengel noted that OKC’s increase in threat is due to the success of the newly revamped roster this season. The performance of Dennis Schroder for the second unit has allowed for much prosperity. As well as the vital re-signing of Paul George, which has led to heightened performances for the MVP contender this season.

However, the defensive performance of OKC Thunder may be the key to ending the reign of the Warriors. If Andre Roberson could return, the chances of that could be even higher.

"It’s also worth noting that the Thunder haven’t had defensive-oriented guard Andre Roberson in the fold since last January due to a devastating knee injury. Roberson suffered a fracture in his knee while rehabbing from the original knee injury that he suffered last season. If Roberson returns, he could be a huge force on the defensive end for a team that already excels in that department."

More from Thunderous Intentions

Golden State resides 1.5 games ahead of OKC at the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference. The team went 10-5 for the month of December, with ten games ending in a 10-point or less margin. These close margins could offer a playoff series of clutch-time performances if OKC and Golden State met post-season. How exciting, and also nauseating.

Patrick Patterson strikes again:

Sunday, Dec. 30, an article of mine was posted to highlight the quiet progression of Patrick Patterson in an OKC Thunder jersey. I discussed the trend in statistical progressions of Patterson as the winter months approach and his first dunks of his Thunder career.

Also on Dec. 30, Patrick Patterson had another double-digit game, putting up 10 points on 80 percent shooting, 2-of-3 behind the arc. He has now increased to a clean average of 4.0 points per game. And, most importantly, he’s now thrown down five dunks on the season. His fifth may just be his dirtiest yet, coming at 1:16 in the video below.

Patterson is quite underrated as an OKC player, so it’s nice to see a big game out of the power forward. He’s well on track to meet my predictions for him come February. To analyze his progress and debate scoring predictions check out my article here.

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