Thank you, Russell Westbrook; a trip down memory lane
By Rylan Stiles
Blowing a 3-1 lead might just define the OKC Thunder organization.
After losing in the Western Conference Finals the year after Patrick Beverley derailed the Thunder’s playoff run, the team missed the playoffs entirely in 2014-15.
Entering the 2015-16 season, the Thunder were healthy. Kevin Durant was an upcoming free agent, but no one expected Durant to jump ship following the season.
The Thunder had a good season, in 2015-16 they went for 55 wins good enough for the third seed.
Again, the Thunder had a playoff series against the Mavericks where OKC took down Dallas in five games.
And again, the Thunder took on the Spurs. San Antonio blew the doors off the Thunder in game one, winning 124-92.
Westbrook scored a lowly 14 points, two rebounds, and nine assists.
However, after game one of the series, Westbrook averaged 27 points for the rest of the series, including ten assists and seven rebounds.
The Thunder took care of the Spurs in six games and advanced to yet another Western Conference Finals.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook took on the Golden State Warriors led by Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. A team that won 73 games in the regular season.
The Thunder got off to a hot start in the series, infamously earning a 3-1 lead. Then the Thunder lost three straight games.
Klay Thompson torching the OKC Thunder in game six is something fans will never soon forget.
This is yet another “what if?” If the Thunder just win one additional game in this series, they have an NBA Championship right now. There is no doubt in my mind that the Thunder knock off the Cavs in the NBA Finals.