After yet another disappointing outing in Game 4, the OKC Thunder return to Portland hoping to avoid their third consecutive first-round exit.
The dreaded moment has finally arrived, the OKC Thunder are on the brink of elimination, as the Blazers possess a commanding 3-1 series lead. After defeating the Thunder 111-98 in Game 4. In all three of their wins, Portland has held Oklahoma City below the century mark.
How the Thunder got into their current predicament, is not much different than the way they have performed for the majority of the season. Poor shot selection, inept accuracy, coaching discrepancy, and lacking defensive intensity are only a few of the Thunder’s defects during the opening round.
Those flaws have plagued the Thunder for the better part of the entire season, and for the past few seasons as well. The only difference now; this is the playoffs, where you play the same team every night. Therefore, such shortcomings are magnified.
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For all the Thunder’s weaknesses, the Blazers have been able to capture their strengths and put them on full display. Portland has possessed a better shooting percentage, defended with passion, and Terry Stotts has been masterful with his adjustments.
The frustrating aspect from the series will be this; Oklahoma City has played so poorly, it has made the Blazers looks better than they are. Just like Utah last season, Portland will likely roll into the second round and lose to their next opponent, whether it is the Spurs or Nuggets.
There was once a point in time, where the only team the Thunder would lose to was the team that went on to win the title, those days have long past. And, the future of the Thunder’s post-season success appears murky at best.