One storyline from each NBA Christmas Day matchup

3 of 6

(Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Can OKC prove it’s different from last season?

Much was made of the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s underwhelming 2017-18 regular season, one in which they failed to crack 50 wins after acquiring both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony the previous summer.

Many were quick to point the finger at Melo, claiming his lack of defense and unwillingness to come off the bench were the main reasons for OKC’s woes. Now, with Anthony playing for the Houston Rockets, there should be no excuses as to why OKC shouldn’t be considered one of the best in the West.

With a matchup against those Rockets on Christmas, the duo of George and Russell Westbrook will have an opportunity to prove their value against a team that came just one win away from the NBA Finals.

Should the dynamic duo put on a show, the may be able to convince some of the NBA fanboys that Carmelo was, in fact, the issue and that they have what it takes to make a run at the title.

If not, well then it might take more time and wins to convince fans this season won’t end in a similar fashion to the last.