3 reasons why the OKC Thunder are struggling since All-Star break and its highly offensive

While the win over Toronto eases mounting pressure, the OKC Thunder are still 6-10 since the All-Star break. TI presents 3 reasons why OKC is struggling.

After sitting in the upper tier of the Western Conference for the majority of the season, the OKC Thunder are in a funk. Since the turn of the All-Star break, Oklahoma City has lost nine of its last 16 games causing the team to drop to fifth in the Western Conference.

While slumps and losing streaks are apart of professional sports, teams in the playoff race are aiming to peak and play their best basketball of the season. Oklahoma City has gone in the opposite direction, losing to the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Toronto before breaking the skid by beating the Raptors away from home.

Oklahoma City finally got back to Thunder basketball turning defense into offense by forcing turnovers and making shots on the perimeter. OKC’s starters finally put it together (aside from Russell Westbrook who had a tough shooting night) and were able to close out the league’s second-best team.

So what’s been missing prior to last night’s victory? TI presents 3 reasons why Oklahoma City have sputtered its way to a 6-10 record following All-Star weekend.

Officiating will not be critiqued

The following will share no focus on officiating as referees have been uneven all season long. Yes, the refs went crazy allowing Portland and the Clippers to shoot 46 free throws last week but the Thunder also receive a portion of the blame.

Frustration fouls, reaching and overplaying opponents on the defensive end are whistles waiting to happen. While some calls against OKC have raised eyebrows, Oklahoma City needs to do a better job playing to the referees. Complaining about non-calls also doesn’t help OKC’s cause and often leads to pointless technical fouls.

With that being said, let’s get down to business.