OKC Thunder embroiled in the calm before the storm

Playing the jester

Thunderous Intentions contributor Stephen Dolan pieced together an article that used the innovative MOIST/ARID methodology to break down the realistic toughness of OKC’s remaining schedule. In his write-up, Dolan surmised that several of the Thunder’s remaining opponents would not be as tough a challenge as imagined at first glance.

However, with all due respect, there was one area not recognized which is an important aspect – the spoiler effect. A playoff team that rests its starters doesn’t mean that team doesn’t still want to win. The bench players are still professional athletes and have the drive to win because games like that are their opportunity to prove they can make a positive impact and deserve more minutes.

Furthermore, non-playoff teams simply enjoy being the jester. Beating a playoff team that is fighting for more than a simple win is a moral victory for the jester. Since the dawn of athletic competitions, those types of teams have always been around and will continue to play pessimist to those who are playing for more than just draft order.

In summary, the Thunder never really had a chance to let off the accelerator. It always has been, and always will be, important to pick up wins whenever possible. Oklahoma City has long since been a team known to play to the level of its competition. Perhaps, OKC has simply been looking too far ahead rather than focusing on the immediate hurdle in front of them.

The Thunder’s chances of making the playoffs were never really in question as the Sacramento Kings had a nearly insurmountable deficit they would have to close while the Thunder continued to take L’s. However, the real pain is more mental than anything else. It’s becoming increasingly evident the jester resides more in Oklahoma City’s morale and execution than the team on the opposite end of the hardwood. Few opportunities remain for OKC to bounce back, so they’ll have to make the most of them.