1. Lead the Thunder to a deep playoff run
The OKC Thunder are not the favorites to be in the NBA Finals out of the Western Conference. That role is preserved for the Golden State Warriors. It has yet to be seen if the Houston Rockets will do well without Trevor Ariza and with Carmelo Anthony inserted into the lineup.
That means the 2-8 seeds will be open for the Oklahoma City Thunder to take. A deep playoff run could be in the future for the Thunder if Paul George can elevate his play during postseason time.
For the Thunder to be a great team and get a good seed they will have to take care of the games that are close late. Not counting overtime, the fourth quarter was George’s worst quarter shooting-wise. He was only able to shoot 38.5 percent from the field in the fourth.
There were times where the shots did not fall for OKC and that will be corrected with the efficient Dennis Schroder being inserted into the lineup late in games.
With Schroder and Westbrook out there to help ease the pressure on George late in games, he can truly establish himself as the No. 1 option late in contests.
The playoffs will be tough in the Western Conference this year. The third seed was swept in the first round last year. OKC will have to pull out close games next year to go far. If George can shoot the ball well late in games, he will be able to take the Thunder further in the playoffs.