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Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 reasons they can win the West

By Daniel Lubofsky

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder (left) celebrates with Russell Westbrook #0 against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on January 29, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder (left) celebrates with Russell Westbrook #0 against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on January 29, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. They want revenge

Yes, Kevin Durant had every right to leave Oklahoma City as a free agent in the summer of 2016, but it doesn’t make his current presence on what was then a 73-win team any less painful for the Thunder faithful.

How does one move on from such a gut-wrenching basketball heartbreak? Ending the Warriors’ reign of terror is definitely as good a place as there is to start, a feat the Thunder organization would no doubt find immense joy in, even if they wouldn’t express it publicly.

The 2018-19 Thunder roster has three players from their 2015-16 team who blew a 3-1 to the Dubs, the last one for KD in OKC. The trio of Westbrook, Adams and Roberson definitely wanted to come back the following season to finish the job and were likely hurt when Durant went and joined the team responsible for their demise.

They may say the fences have been mended or that they don’t care, but those three aren’t easy-going guys. Russ hates just about anybody he doesn’t call a teammate and both Adams and Roberson have proven unafraid to stir up a confrontation every now and again. Should a playoff series commence with these two rivals, it’s not crazy to think they’d give a bit of extra juice if it meant sending a so-called “traitor” home for the summer.

Let’s also not forget that while not a member of the Thunder until last season, George likely wouldn’t mind going toe-to-toe with Durant as well. PG has been playing his best ball this season and would love nothing more than to make a statement regarding his greatness on the big stage against a positional rival, a guy many view as his superior.

OKC Thunder: Team playing well close to the All-Star break. dark. Next

Most would still pick the Warriors in a potential seven-game series, but hate is a powerful weapon if harnessed correctly. OKC has quite a few guys who play with an eternal chip on their shoulder, and if given a chance to embarrass the one who spurned them nearly three years ago as well as the pompous darlings of the NBA, don’t be surprised if their effort level appears to be at an all-time high.

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