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Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 lineups fans will want to see

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers during a game on December 20, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers during a game on December 20, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 lineups fans will want to see
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

Offensive-minded lineup

  • PG: Russell Westbrook
  • SG: Paul George
  • SF: Carmelo Anthony
  • PF: Patrick Patterson
  • C: Steven Adams

The Thunder will more than likely be at their best this season when Carmelo Anthony is playing power forward. At this point in his career, he is a more effective player at the 4 than the 3. However, there are still matchups, as we saw last season, in which Anthony can perform well at small forward, which will be when we see the Thunder use a lineup like this.

This is a more traditional lineup for the Thunder with Patterson taking over at power forward. Depending on matchups, this could be one we see the Thunder use at the end of games. Unless the Thunder are in need of stops, Andre Roberson will probably be on the bench for the more offensive-minded Patterson.

This lineup would be deadly in the pick-and-roll. Imagine Westbrook coming off a screen set by Adams with Anthony in one corner, George in the other and Patterson at the wing-extended spotting up. Westbrook could easily lead the NBA in assists this season if he chooses to with all of the shooters that Billy Donovan can put on the court next to him.

This lineup will also open things up for Westbrook to attack the rim. Adams took steps forward offensively last season and cannot be left alone or he will take advantage. Teams will struggle to double off of George, Anthony or Patterson because of their ability to knock down perimeter jump shots.

If the Thunder are in catch-up mode or looking to break a cold spell, this should be a lineup we see. There is so much offensive firepower that opponents’ heads will spin trying to figure out how to slow them down.

Defensively, this group isn’t too shabby either. That is what happens when you add an elite defensive talent in George and already have solid defenders such as Westbrook and Adams in place.

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