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OKC Thunder: team unjustly stands pat in B/R’s power rankings

By Mark Nilon

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts following a go-ahead field goal during the fourth quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 26, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts following a go-ahead field goal during the fourth quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 26, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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The OKC Thunder have been competitive thus far into the 2020-21 season, but apparently, they haven’t shown enough to move up B/R’s power rankings.

Through five outings, the OKC Thunder find themselves boasting a sub-.500 record of 2-3 but, as far as fans are concerned, they have proven to be a pleasant surprise.

While many expected the team to be a full-out tank job in 2020-21, it appears they are too good to do so and, in turn, have managed to stay competitive during every game played thus far (minus their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in game four).

While it’s still early in the season, and many things can change — such as mid-season trades, for example — the Thunder have outperformed many pre-set expectations coming in. However, even with this, Bleacher Report has felt they are unworthy of moving up from their previous placement in their power rankings, as they still stand at 24 out of 30 teams.

Citing the up-and-down start for franchise player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as well as the team’s struggling offense overall, writer Mo Dakhil believes this stagnant standing is deserving for the OKC Thunder:

"A bit concerning is the start of the season Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having. Even though he’s near the same scoring average as a year ago, he’s shooting worse from the floor and has nearly doubled his turnover average. Oklahoma City is betting on him developing into a franchise player, so more focus will have to be paid to his development.Overall, the team is struggling offensively. It has the league’s worst offensive rating and is averaging 17 turnovers per game."

Above the Thunder are the likes of the Chicago Bulls (3-4), the San Antonio Spurs (2-4), and the Charlotte Hornets (2-4), who OKC even beat on opening night.

Though their record may not be the best, they have given almost every one of their opponents a run for their money, most of whom were bubble invited and/ or playoff teams last season, and they’ve managed to do this with one of the youngest and least-experienced teams in the entire association and a rookie head coach.

While Bleacher Report believes their placement at 24 and behind the likes of these aforementioned teams to be just, we here at TI are of a different mindset and see the OKC Thunder as a team that deserves to be a few slots higher.

Perhaps tonight’s game against the Miami Heat will change B/R’s mind.

dark. Next. 3 keys to victory vs. the Miami Heat

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