Regardless of what happens this season, the OKC Thunder have already exceeded the expectations of pundits. Some even predicted this squad would post the worst record in NBA history.
For the record, “The Process” era of the 76ers who recorded a 10-72 record in 2016 is not the worst team in history. The record is owned by the Sixers though — by the 1973 team who had one less win (9-73).
Even the most pessimistic OKC Thunder fan would find it difficult to fathom this OKC Thunder team would only win four more games the rest of the season. But at some point, it’s likely Mark Daigneault will have to get creative with playing time and sitting players.
Sam Presti didn’t horde draft picks for the Thunder not to nab a top draft pick which means at some stage this season the team will have to fully commit to the tank.
That said, with the Thunder currently on a three-game win streak now is not that time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is showing what a great leader he is, how competitive his heart is, and if for no other reason this team deserves to try to extend the win streak.
OKC Thunder host Kings in battle of two young clubs
The team they’ll try to achieve that against is the Sacramento Kings who arrive in Oklahoma City today to do battle with the Thunder. The Kings have a record of 5-7 so one more victory than OKC but also one additional loss. They sit in the ninth seed in the West and the Thunder are in 11th. If OKC wins they’ll move ahead of the Kings.
Again, that fact alone must have some analysts shook as many expected Sacramento to be more of a factor given the depth on their squad. It highlights just how strong the culture is with the Thunder. This franchise has built a strong foundation and if there is one thing the Kings could steal from the Thunder you can bet it’s that — a winning culture.
While OKC is riding a three-game winning streak, the Kings are on the opposite side of the spectrum having lost three in a row. With that, let’s look at how the Kings and Thunder matchup.