Week 4 NBA Power Ranking – Big shifts on the ladder while OKC Thunder clings to middle rung

16 of 30

OKC Thunder Head Coach Billy Donovan speaks with Darius Bazley during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 15, 2019 (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder

Offense: (104.8) – 21st
Defense: (104.7) – 12th
Net: (plus +0.1) – 15th

Record: 5-7
Games Week 4: (1-1) Won vs.76ers, lost to Pacers
Games Week 5 (3 games): Mon, Nov. 18 at Clippers | Tues, Nov. 19 at Lakers | Fri, Nov. 22 vs. Lakers

The blowout loss to the Pacers ended up killing the OKC Thunder stats as they regressed in all three key statistical categories. But then they turned around and exposed the 76ers for their weaknesses. Hey, this squad keeps us entertained in every game so the fact it took 11 games for a blowout to occur is more than palatable.

Mind you that might change this week with three games versus LA teams – two against the Lakers. Since I’m editing this after Monday to post Wednesday morning it’s already known the Clippers won in a slugfest and based on neither team cracking 100 points the Thunder defensive rating will climb back up the ladder next week as long as the Lakers don’t blow them out twice in a row.

In fact, the Thunder should be able to expose the Lakers similarly to how the Raptors did. At this point, it’s clear the small forward position is the biggest issue. Terrance Ferguson is dealing with off court personal matters that might be affecting his on court play. And while Hamidou Diallo has shown glimpses when he was afforded opportunities with the starters he shrunk. The truth is the rookie Darius Bazley may be the best wing on the squad – but he needs time to grow.

The other elephant in the room is where the heck is Andre Roberson and why is this a bigger mystery than how they put caramel into Caramilk bars?

Home/Thunder News