OKC Thunder use insight over eyesight and live in the moment

For the OKC Thunder, this season is all about making the most of everything they have now even if the future is uncertain.

Do you know what the OKC Thunder and superheroes have in common? They are both risk takers. Now I’m not saying that the Thunder fight battles using their superhuman powers, but this season they’ve carried that sort of mentality.

A valiant attitude, desire to prevail and to never let anyone underestimate how good they can really be.

The thing is this is real life and the Thunder may not see themselves as heroes. But as they’ve proven, it’s not about what they see now or even into the future, it’s about what they know.

We don’t have the ability to foresee our future lives but what we can do is control what we do with our current situation and that’s what OKC has done.

From a first round playoff exit, drastic change in personnel, to rebuilding and now being a playoff team, the OKC Thunder have experienced it all this past year. And yet they have kept pushing.

While many teams may remain hopeful with draft picks, the Thunder asked the question how can we be a good team now and how can we maximize what we already have?

Chris Paul is a great example of this. When OKC traded for him, they knew he was going into his 15th year and coming to the end of his run at a championship. But instead, they didn’t worry about that and considered the positive impact Paul’s expertise and mentorship would have in the precise moment.

Many believed he would be out before the season ended but again going back to his Media day interview he continues to believe that “a lot of people try to tell your truth, tell your story.”

He’s displayed that he’s the only person who can write his own narrative. As a result of this, the faith that OKC had in signing Paul as well as excellent coaching from Billy Donovan, some great things have transpired.

CP was selected for his 10th All-Star game and his first since 2016, showing the fantastic form he’s in. He was also recently named as a finalist for the Team USA Olympic Camp. 

In addition to this, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder are playing some of the best basketball of their young careers. Rookies’ Luguentz Dort and Darius Bazley have also been standouts. So instead of trading for different pieces and starting with a clean slate, OKC surveyed their position.

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They decided it was best for them right now to not think too much about the future but build on their success that is too hard to pass up and would be harsh to waste.

The OKC Thunder play like they’ve got everything they need. They lean on their own understanding that things don’t always go their way, but there are things they can control. Such as the chemistry of the guys across the roster and the idea that every player one through to 15 has a major part to play.

As the numbers show, in 18.4 minutes on the court per night, the Thunder’s bench is averaging 39.3 points which is more than teams’ including the Lakers, Rockets, Jazz, and Nuggets who all place higher in the standings.

OKC is definitely something special and as they navigate through it all, they show that living in the moment and taking your chances can be rewarding.

They will continue striving for more than what the outside noise says is possible and march to the beat of their own drum.

That is the OKC Thunder now and that is who they want to be.