NBA Playoffs 2013: 5 Things We’ve Learned From Rockets vs. Thunder Series
Kevin Durant will go the rest of the NBA playoffs as the man. Photo Credit: GameFaces (Flickr.com)
In a series that featured such an interesting narrative–James Harden‘s impending return to the Chesapeake Arena–we’ve seen the Oklahoma City Thunder rush into a predictable 3-0 lead.
After two close games in Games 2 and 3, the Thunder will be looking to wrap up the series as quickly as possible and give their players some much-needed rest ahead of a tough matchup with either the defensive juggernaut Memphis Grizzlies or the exciting Los Angeles Clippers.
The NBA playoffs have provided many surprises–like the Golden State Warriors–but this series seems to be going as scripted for the most part.
So, the Thunder lead 3-0 against the Houston Rockets: What have we learned so far?
Kevin Durant is the second best player in the world
If it was ever in doubt, that is. With Carmelo Anthony on an offensive tear, many suggested the New York Knicks forward was the second-best player in the league. Kevin Durant has slapped sense in the face of these people. In Game 3, KD dropped 41 points and grabbed 14 rebounds–including what proved to be the pivotal basket of the series with less than a minute to go, which you can see below.
The Rockets have a bright future ahead of them. Photo Credit: Michael Dunlap, HoopsHabit.com
The Rockets have a bright future
With superstar shooting guard James Harden at the helm, the future is very bright for Houston. They have run an impressive Thunder team close this series and played them very tough, especially in Game 3. Along with Harden, they have pieces like Chandler Parsons and Omer Asik–whom are both brilliant contributors. If they can add another max-level player–a lá Josh Smith or Dwight Howard–then perhaps we will see the Rockets atop of the Western Conference in the near future.
Just how much will OKC miss Russell Westbrook? Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com
With Westbrook down, the Thunder could struggle
The basketball world was rocked with the news that Russell Westbrook had torn his meniscus. In Game 3, Kevin Durant spent a lot of time running the offense. Granted, they won the game and KD dropped 41, but he can’t do that every single night. Additionally, Westbrook’s explosiveness and athleticism alone give the Thunder many easy buckets in transition and you just wonder if Reggie Jackson can provide the same intensity and scoring as the former UCLA guard. Kevin Durant has grown as a facilitator, but he is no LeBron James when it comes to passing the basketball, not by any stretch of the imagination. Here’s what he had to say following Sunday morning practice:
Kendrick Perkins is just not good enough anymore. Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com
Kendrick Perkins should be amnestied next season
Kendrick Perkins is not a bad player. In fact, he is a good guy to have around the locker room and gives his all on the court. However, the NBA is getting smaller and faster–and Perk can’t keep up. He has ‘cement feet, he can’t score, doesn’t have any post moves and slows down the Thunder’s offense. I feel OKC looks a lot better with Serge Ibaka at the 5 and Nick Collison or Kevin Durant at the 4.
James Harden is a superstar player. Photo Credit: Angel Blue, Flickr.com
Houston won the James Harden trade
If it was in question before–which I don’t think it was–it isn’t now. The Rockets certainly got the better of the deal when they managed to pry James Harden away from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Martin, Harden’s replacement, can shoot the ball well, but does not possess the star quality of Harden, nor does he get to the cup and draw contact in the same way. OKC really should have kept Harden, or found a better deal for him, especially with Russell Westbrook being injured. Kevin Martin can’t run an offense like Harden can. It will be interesting to see whether the OKC front office will ever admitting to making a mistake by pulling the plug on Harden’s time in Oklahoma City.
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And there you have it. Five things we’ve learned from the OKC-Houston matchup so far. If you have any more, don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.