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OKC Thunder: 5 Keys To Stepping Up As Title Contenders

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) between plays against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) between plays against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite having Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the OKC Thunder aren’t true title contenders yet. Here’s what they have to do to get there.

OKC Thunder
Mar 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) between plays against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

In a season where the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are both on pace to reach at least 70 wins, it’d be easy to overlook the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook has always been good for a .700 win percentage, but because of injuries at the worst times, they’ve been unable to reach the NBA Finals since their lone appearance in 2012.

Back then, the Thunder were a dynasty in the making. They had a Big Four of KD, Russ, James Harden and Serge Ibaka, all of whom were under 24 years old. But ever since the Harden trade, the front office’s continuous struggles to put the right role players around Durant and Westbrook have been amplified by the everlasting Spurs and the rise of these unstoppable Warriors.

But is it possible we’re overlooking another title contender in 2015-16 that’s sporting the league’s fourth best record, a win percentage of .683 and the NBA’s second best offense?

As of right now, the answer is no. The Thunder have dropped six of their nine games since the All-Star Break, their elite offensive rating has dropped off to 13th in that span and on the season, they’re a combined 2-7 against the Warriors, Spurs, Cavaliers, Clippers and Raptors — the five other best records in the league.

Related Story: NBA: 20 Players Turning Their Seasons Around

With Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, a double-double machine in Enes Kanter and plenty of role players, Oklahoma City shouldn’t be overlooked in the West. But until the following five things happen, the OKC Thunder won’t join the Dubs, Spurs and Cavs as legitimate title contenders.

Next: No. 5

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