OKC Thunder playoff roundtable part 1: superstars, grades, moments and more

Russell Westbrook or Paul George – who will be more important to a deep run?

Tailor Finney: I think they both have to be on the same page for us to succeed. When Westbrook’s points and assists are in the same ballpark, it seems we just have better performance all around. When PG is struggling and Russ has to overcompensate, that is when things start to get messy and forced.

Alex Mcewen: They are equally important. Westbrook is the team’s engine. Whereas, George is the battery. Both are key components that a car cannot run without. For the Thunder to go far, Westbrook must operate under-control, and PG must use mind over matter to win two battles on a nightly basis; whatever his matchup is that evening, and one with himself, fighting through his shoulder injury.

Steven Maichak: Russell Westbrook. There is a reason why point guard is the “1” spot on the court. He is the facilitator, the energizer, and remains the top team leader. He is the lightning strike that makes the Thunder, well, thunder.

Sinjin Snopczynski: Tough question but I lean Paul George. He has been the catalyst for this OKC team all season, he needs to be consistently great if this team wants to reach its peak and make the Western Conference Finals.

Rylan Stiles: I think it is Paul George. If he can somehow get healthy in these next few days before the playoffs, and return to MVPG form, this team is set up for success. Will we get Playoff P for more than one? We all know his clutch time baggage, if he can rewrite that narrative this postseason, that would be huge.

Tamberlyn Richardson: Prior to George’s injury I might have leaned in his direction, but with the uncertainty of PG’s health it will be Westbrook who is the most essential to the Thunder not only winning this series but also doing it quickly to allow for healing time especially for George and what seems to be a sub-par Adams. Winning in four or five would likely result in a week off as the Spurs push the Nuggets to seven games (you heard it here first 😉).