The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t back to their best just yet, but they are getting there. Last night, star point guard Russell Westbrook returned, playing for the first time in 14 games. In what was expected to be a close game against the New York Knicks, but the return of Westbrook turned the tables for OKC, as he led the team to a massive 27-point victory. This big win is purely down to Westbrook’s quality on the court, as the Thunder won by their biggest margin this season. Westbrook put up 32 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, in the win against a struggling Knicks side that is without superstar Carmelo Anthony.
The Thunder currently have a record of 5-12 on the year, and having won just five games out of 17 is never going to get you to the playoffs, but the return of Westbrook will only help the team, and for Thunder fans it will only get better from here, as reigning MVP of the league, Kevin Durant is also expected back within the next couple of games. Adding another star to the mix should help the Thunder pick up more wins, and push them towards the playoffs. Being in the Northwest division where their only real competition is the Portland Trail Blazers, getting to the playoffs shouldn’t be too hard for a team like the Thunder. When Westbrook and Durant are both on the court, they may be the toughest team in the league to beat at home at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Will the Thunder reach the playoffs?
Yes, in my opinion people are wrong to right off a team just because of a bad start, the Thunder will make the playoffs, maybe not comfortably, but it will happen. The return of the team’s two stars Durant and Westbrook will make them a force to play against. The team has a surprisingly good and reliable supporting cast, featuring Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka, not to mention the big New Zealander Steven Adams who is consistently putting in good performances, especially on the glass. Just last night against the Knicks, he put up 13 rebounds, a stat which is vital to any team being competitive in the NBA. The team also has a couple of underrated shooters in the shape of Anthony Morrow and Jeremy Lamb. These two players scored a total of 23 points combined coming off the bench, crucial points which helped the Thunder get the win last night. The final point to make is this team’s strength and toughness, which was displayed in a game that I watched against the Memphis Grizzlies, who are title contenders. The Thunder without Westbrook and Durant of course, took the Grizzlies right down to the final seconds of the game. They showed that deep down they are strong enough to be a playoff team.
Why Westbrook is key down the stretch.
Russell Westbrook is one of my personal favourites in the NBA. He is so unbelievably entertaining and also at times very frustrating, but this just adds to his entertainment value. He is key to this Thunder team, maybe even a little bit more than Kevin Durant, because of his energy levels whilst on the court. He is similar to Derrick Rose when healthy as he is the heartbeat of the team, the motivator and the guy who makes other players on the court better. This is not to say Durant isn’t good at these things, but Westbrook in my opinion is the heart and soul of this team. He will work with Kevin Durant leading this team to the playoffs this year, and for many years to come.
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