Oklahoma City Thunder still has edge over Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference – NBA Feature Part 2
Apart from the on court stuff, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard are three strong personalities who are used to running the show both on and off the court. It remains to be seen what type of atmosphere these three are able
to create in the locker room, and whether they will be able to play together and bring the team closer around them.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, on the other hand, are hands down the most organic team in the NBA at the moment. This team was built through draft picks and smart trades, and the core of the team has grown as players while playing
alongside each other. Hence, these players play best around each other and in the same team. That is the level of team work between this group of guys. And after years of gradual climb in the Western Conference, last year was their breakout season, one in
which they reached the NBA Finals.
Many would agree that the Thunder lost to the Miami Heat only because it was their first Finals appearance, where as Miami were playing in their second consecutive Finals as a team and their players had extensive playoff experience
under their belt.
Next season, the Thunder are going to take the floor with an improved Kevin Durant, who will surely benefit from playing in the NBA Finals as well as the 2012 London Olympics. Russell Westbrook will also be more mature with his
game, and Serge Ibaka and James Harden will continue doing what they do best. The Thunder did not make any significant changes in the team over the summer because they wanted the team to remain just as it was last season. They feel that it is only a matter
of time before they get their hands around an NBA title.
Two teams who have a completely different character and game plan will battle for the top spot in the Western Conference next season. The Lakers have established players on their roster, players who can single handedly change the
fate of a game. But the fact is that these players are used to running the show and they are now in a team where they all will have to accept that their role has been curtailed. It is a team with a lot of expectations but unproven chemistry.
The Thunder, on the other hand, are a much more gelled unit comprising of players who have risen amongst the ranks over the past few years. They lacked playoff experience which they have gained over the past two seasons. It is
anybody’s call but i personally am going to pick the Thunder over the Lakers out of the Western conference. Even after the Lakers spending millions of dollars to recruit new talent, the Thunder still have the edge over them, for the next season atleast.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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