OKC Thunder:
Week 10: 2-2
Won vs: Spurs 102-99, Hawks 118-109
Lost to: Heat 94-108, Nuggets 96-126
Opponents this week: Mavericks, Spurs
Offensive Rating: 104.8 (29th) | Defensive Rating: 110.7 (13th) | Net Differential: -5.9 (27th)
As noted above the OKC Thunder garner a higher ladder rung on my list than teams with similar records. One of the main reasons is they aren’t supposed to be in this range. It would be so easy for this young squad knowing the mandate is to tank, to fold up shop when teams build double-digit leads on them.
Instead, this crew never stops competing. That the Thunder have the same record as the Hawks, the same number of wins as the Pelicans and more victories than the Magic, Rockets, and Kings is telling.
Although trades and injuries have affected the teams mentioned — the Thunder has dealt with the same issues. While the above five teams are underachieving, the Thunder winning in spite of the odds speaks to one factor — CULTURE!
As teams search to build their culture the clear takeaway from this season of resiliency is the OKC Thunder have the culture portion of the franchise firmly cemented. Considering only six players remained from the last campaign and Hamidou Diallo was the longest-tenured of the group that’s a testament to Sam Presti and the executive group.
Thunder cornerstone, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responded to his All-Star snub with a career-high 42 point effort. Teams knew it was unwise to underestimate his silky smooth strides. What they are learning this season is not to discount his burning desire to win and lead as he embraces his new role.