While we NBA fans not-so-patiently wait for games to come back, what better time to look ahead to the rest of the season for the OKC Thunder?
The Overview
At the start of the season, Oklahoma City had a win total set at 23.5. They surpassed that mark in their 48th game this season, and at the All-Star Break are sitting at 28-29. Combine a 30-point-per-game scorer and team leader in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a great supporting cast, a .500 record is not far out of the question.
The Schedule
Breaking it down by matchup, the Thunder have the 4th easiest strength of schedule remaining. My prediction is that the Thunder go roughly 15-10 through their last 25 games. Any team can win on any given night, but this is how I see things playing out. What scares me the most in these games is that we play the recently powered-up Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers, and the third-seeded Sacramento Kings a total of seven times in our last 25 games. Those games accounted for seven of the 10 losses I predict, the others coming from the New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and Utah Jazz respectively.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Now to the players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently in the top 10 for MVP favorites. He is also ranked eighth on major platforms’ “Top 50 NBA Players” lists. Having our team leader be this good and only 24 years old is a gift from the basketball gods. During the All-Star Weekend festivities, Gilgeous-Alexander was supporting Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey in the Rising Stars Games. This is not seen much by team leaders. This is the same guy that every other fanbase thought was “tired of losing” and “wanted out”. He seems pretty comfortable in OKC if you’re asking me.
Averaging 31 points, six assists, five rebounds, 1.5 steals, and a block per game are great numbers at the break. If OKC can move up the standings in the West, don’t be surprised if SGA gets some fourth or fifth-place MVP votes.
The Williams Combo
But not only is there Shai, but we also have 2 great rookies in Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams. Yes, it is confusing to hear the same name twice, but you can’t mix the two of them up on the court. Jalen Williams has consistently progressed throughout the entire season on the offensive and defensive end, feeling like a more focal point of the team every single game. As a tertiary ball-handler, he continues to get more poised on the NBA court as well. Along with that, it looks like Jaylin Williams took a page out of the Mike Muscala biography, turning into a very reliable shooter. Jaylin Williams shot 47.4% from three on 2.7 shots per game in February, while filling a big need at the Center position (pun intended). Combine that with elite touch around the rim for a big, and our rookies look remarkable.
Josh Giddey and Lu Dort
Last but not least, we have Josh Giddey and Lu Dort. Both of these guys were already a consensus part of our young core. But, they have even further forced their way into our future as a team. Giddey has improved in all statistical categories besides assists for the Thunder. Outside of just the stat sheet, he feels more comfortable and fluent with the ball in his hands. Last season he was somewhat hesitant and awkward as a primary ball handler. Now, he can effectively be the facilitator of an offense. On the other end of the court, Lu Dort has been no joke this season. It has been a “down season” on paper. But, post-injury Dort has been locking up the primary assignment on the other team. Not to mention, he is shooting a near-career-high percentage from three.
We Feel READY
The team feels ready for a late playoff push, and sitting at the 10th seed in the West, the time is now. Going 3-1 in our last four before the break, we’re on a roll, rested, and ready to keep it pushing. Finally, as a fan base, we are ready to stand behind our guys no matter the finish and can not wait to be back in the playoffs.
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