Thunder: Remember That Almost Dynasty?
It’s safe to say that no one expected the 2016 Western Conference Finals to begin like this. The Oklahoma City Thunder were unfairly underrated, just as they were a round ago, when Billy Donovan led his team to a shocking upset of the 67-15 San Antonio Spurs.
Shocking, of course, to the jaded masses who forgot the dynasty that was meant to be—and yes, we were all a part of assembly.
It may seem like forever has passed since the Thunder improbably reached the 2012 NBA Finals, but this team is still very young and very talented. On roster structure, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and Russell Westbrook aren’t just three of the Top 4 players from that 2012 team.
They’re three players who are just now entering the prime of their respective careers.
Thus, while team records and accolades may speak in the favor of others, it stands to reason that Oklahoma City is doing what it’s supposed to be doing. This is OKC’s fourth Conference Finals appearance in six years, and its first full postseason with Durant, Ibaka, and Westbrook since 2012—the year it reached the NBA Finals.
Related Story: How could we forget about the greatness of the Oklahoma City Thunder?
OKC making a triumphant run to the NBA Finals shouldn’t surprise you; this is exactly what was supposed to be happening in every season since 2011-12.
Next: Far From Over