Now that the All-Star game has come and gone the OKC Thunder can get back to their path of completing season number 13 where, to many, they’ve surprised through the first 36 outings.
Despite coming into the 2020-21 campaign with expectations of an all-out tank, rookie coach Mark Daigneault’s squad led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has managed to impress, as they’re constantly finding themselves competing to the end of each game and are currently in the mix for postseason/ play-in tournament contention.
Since their inception back in 2008-09, the Thunder have been recognized as being one of the winningest franchises in the NBA.
Throughout their 12 completed seasons, Oklahoma City has managed to compile an overall record of 582-376 (61% winning percentage). During this time period, the team has missed the postseason just twice and finished the year with a losing record just once.
Naturally, the idea of this team competing night in and night out would appear to be a normal occurrence.
To some, however, this season has been a bit upsetting, as their hope is ultimately to see the team set themselves up for a top-tier selection in this upcoming draft, where their sights are set on Oklahoma State standout Cade Cunningham.
To others, this season has been an inspiration and, in turn, has swayed their mindset away from a tankathon and, instead, hope to see their competitive juices flowing throughout the remaining 36 outings.
Regardless of one’s feelings pertaining to the first half of action, the team still has a full slate of games to complete, starting with their first of the second half coming March 11th against the Dallas Mavericks.
The OKC Thunder have a winning record in first games post All-Star break
No matter which way you hope the season turns out, ultimately the approach moving forward will be taken game by game.
With this, however, if history suggests anything, the OKC Thunder have a good shot of winning their first post-break outing for, through 12 total years, the team boasts a record of 8-4 in such contests, giving them a winning percentage of 67%.
While there are those who preach the mantra “the more losing the better”, if their past is any indication their second-half schedule is likely to start out with a ‘W.’