No one thought they would be here, yet here they are. The Oklahoma City Thunder were left for dead after a 124-92 loss in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs. At that time, most experts were already talking about the upcoming series between the Spurs and the Golden State Warriors, and how those two teams were the biggest favorites to win the NBA title.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, however, had other plans. Since that loss, the Thunder has gone a combined 7-2 against both San Antonio and Golden State, and after a second straight blowout win over the reigning champions now they are one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
It’s safe to say they are the league’s hottest team right now, with only a few games left on the schedule and when the stakes are higher than ever. Certainly a good time to play the best ball of the season, right?
The way the Thunder have improved must be the biggest story in their success. Obviously Kevin Durant (averaging 27.6 points during the postseason) and Russell Westbrook (who’s coming off a triple-double with 36 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Tuesday’s win against the Warriors) carry the bulk of the offense, but the role players have stepped up as well.
Steven Adams has been one of the best rim protectors in the league in the past few weeks, and he’s also contributing on offense when given the chance. Enes Kanter played a huge role in the series against San Antonio, and he’s a matchup nightmare for Golden State on the offensive end. Serge Ibaka has been doing his thing with solid defense and capable offense. However, the key player no one is talking about is Andre Roberson.
Known for his ability on the defensive end, Roberson started to show flashes of brilliance in the series against the Spurs with a 14-point game in Game 6, but he’s taken his play to a whole new level against Golden State. He finished Game 4 with a career-high 17 points to go along with 12 rebounds, five steals, three assists and two blocks. The 24-year-old guard is averaging over 10 points and six rebounds in the Conference Finals, and he’s been the perfect complement for Westbrook and Durant.
They need one more win to reach the Finals where they’ll have to decide their fate against the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Toronto Raptors. Considering how they’ve been playing of late, it’s hard not to see the Oklahoma City Thunder as the biggest favorite to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy once the season is over.