Top 5 Seeds in Western Conference for 2012-2013 NBA Season (Part 2) – NBA Feature
Oklahoma City Thunder: Seeded 2
Arguably one of the most explosive teams in the NBA at the moment, the Oklahoma City Thunder were on the way of forming another basketball dynasty until the Los Angeles Lakers ruined their plans by performing a serious roster upgrade in the offseason. The Thunder were the best team in the NBA last season, barring the Chicago Bulls. And they continued their performance in the playoffs, defeating the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers with ease before defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-2 in the Western Conference Finals. Although they lost the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in five games, many predicted them to have learned from their playoff experience by next season and the likely favourites to defeat the Heat in their next NBA Finals appearance.
With the arrival of the new look Lakers squad on the Western Conference scene, the chances of the Thunder making the NBA Finals next season have dropped, but still remain very much alive. The Thunder are keeping the same team that did wonders in the NBA last season, and their young players are only going to improve with each game and each playoff experience. Although they are the second favourites out of the West, they have as much of a chance of clinching the Western Conference as the Lakers.
Oklahoma City relies heavily on their explosiveness and ability to change the pace and momentum of the game within seconds. We saw proof of that in their Western Conference Semi Finals series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs last season. Plus, they have the second best player and best scorer in the league in Kevin Durant, and an explosive shoot first point guard in Russell Westbrook. James Harden is the reigning 6th man of the year and adds the depth to the Thunder roster, while Thabo Sefolosha made a name for himself last season as a defensive specialist. Then the likes of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka give them the front court strength and presence they require to go against big teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers.
All in all, the Thunder have a complete roster, with a man for each position and a good bench depth. And the best thing going for them is the fact that it is a young team and their core is signed in for the next few seasons. The Thunder have a chance of forming a dynasty here, with only the Lakers standing in their way. If they reach the NBA Finals next season, they will defeat whichever team they face from the Eastern Conference. The battle in the West just got tougher.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: