Recent form of the leading teams in the NBA Western Conference has bought about a dramatic change in the playoff picture and favorites. Whilst Oklahoma has faltered, the Spurs and the Clippers have gone on double digit winning streaks, proving that they were serious contenders for the crown.
For most of the season, the Thunder were the clear favourites for the Western Conference title. Not anymore. With only five wins in their last ten games, Oklahoma have fallen into second place, two games behind the Spurs. With both teams having only 16 games left to play in the regular season, that handicap seems insurmountable at this moment in time, especially if the Thunder keep up this sloppy form. It has been a tough last few weeks for Durant’s side, with surprising losses to teams such as the Lakers, Mavericks and the Cavs, and worrying home defeats to rivals such as the Heat and the Clippers. Although such a form could be explained by fatigue and lack of importance of the final results of the regular season, seeing Durant continue to perform so well yet his side not win clearly highlights that OKC are currently too reliant on their star, and that other players are going to have to step up their game in order to see the Thunder stand a chance in the playoffs.
Oklahoma may be struggling, however right now San Antonio can do no wrong; a 10-game winning streak, players with staggering efficiency, relentless hustle and unstoppable team spirit whilst being coached by one of the masterminds of the game, everything is clicking for last year’s Western Conference winners. To understand just how good San Antonio are right now, all you need to do is look at the stats from their win against the Jazz, that extended their win streak to double digits: seven players scoring more than 10 points, a team total of 31 assists and 63% FG, and no one player having to play more than 30 minutes. One thing is for sure, the Spurs are no doubt as good, if not better, as they were last year, when they cruelly lost the NBA Finals in 7 games to the Heat. The wounds from Ray Allen’s last gasp game tying three point shot in game 6 have certainly healed, but the flame of determination and revenge is for sure still burning for this side.
But the Spurs aren’t the only team whose recent form classes them as main rivals for the Thunder. The Clippers are also currently on a winning tear, with 11 straight wins. Since the start of the season, Lob City just keeps improving as a team, but also individuals who have stepped up their game, with the main example being Blake Griffin who has simply been brilliant this year. Great performances on big nights, finally more consistent against smaller sides and an overwhelming balance of efficiency and flash mean that the Clippers are now serious contenders for the Western title, but also the NBA title. Now only two games behind the Thunder, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish the regular season in second place. This is very important for the Clippers, as they will probably end up facing the Thunder in the Semi-finals, and home court advantage could be a crucial factor in who would advance to the Final.
Regardless of if they finish third or second, this situation is perfect for San Antonio, who would play an easier team such as Houston or Portland, increasing their chances of reaching the Final, whilst one of their two biggest rivals would be eliminated in the other semi-final. This means that ending as the top seed is essential for this side, who will look to continue their great form right to the end of the regular season.
Whichever way you look at things, if you believe that the Thunder are the favourites for the Western Conference title, it may be the right time to think again. How long the Spurs and the Clippers’ runs will last, I can’t tell. But I can tell you for certain that they both look set to be playing deep into the playoffs, especially if the Thunder don’t find a way to pick up their game.
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