OKC came out of the break with an impressive double-overtime victory over the Jazz but skidded through the next six games. Sure they collected another win, however, it was against the Memphis Grizzlies who are actively trying to tank to increase their lottery ranking.
OKC simply wasn’t playing to their standards and did not look like the team Thunder Nation had grown accustomed to watching through the majority of this season.
Although not completely back, the performance in Portland hinted of a return to the team’s fundamental defensive identity. This morning I was diving into the game film seeking substance to bolster takeaways from the victory.