The Oklahoma City Thunder are jst 6-5 after the first few weeks of the season as we've failed to see them be the dominant team we all expected them to be this season. Here are three things we know about OKC so far this year:
3) The defense needs work
Oklahoma City's offense has been amazing under new head coach Billy Donovan as they rank second in the league in points per game (110.8). However, their defense has been absolutely dreadful, ranking 26th in the league by giving up 105.7 points per game. The Thunder's offensive firepower allow them to play with anybody, but if they want to keep pace with the Warriors, Spurs, and Clippers, they're going to have to make vast improvements on the defensive side of the ball.
2) Russell Westbrook can't do it all by himself
We saw this last year when Kevin Durant missed 55 games, but we're seeing it again while Durant's out with a hamstring strain - Russell Westbrook is not capable of carrying this team by himself.
That's not a knock on Westbrook. He's doing his part, averaging 29.3 points, 10 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game in the three games without Durant, but the Thunder are just 1-2 during that stretch - with the lone win coming over the 76ers. Other players simply have to step up to help Westbrook, but since they aren't...
1) Kevin Durant HAS to stay healthy
Oklahoma City went from a title contender to a lottery team withour Durant last season, and they can't afford to miss their best player for a significant chunk of time again this year for the aforementioned reasons. KD gives OKC the best scorer in the NBA, causing the defense to focus on him instead of Westbrook, allowing their offense to really work.
Without a threat on the outside, most of the Thunder's sets become irrelevant, and therefore much easier to guard. However, with Durant on the floor, they can beat anyone in the league. That's how valuable Durant is.
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