NBA Power Rankings Week 19: April review and the rising Phoenix Suns
By Corey Rausch
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week: Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 121-90, Beat Boston Celtics 119-115, Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 109-95, Lost to Indiana Pacers 152-95
This Week: 5/2 vs. Phoenix Suns, 5/4 vs. Sacramento Kings, 5/6 at Golden State Warriors, 5/8 at Golden State Warriors
The owners of the worst record in the month of April, the Oklahoma City Thunder surprisingly do not feel all that bad about it. They have put together a collection of young talent that impresses night in and a night out while correcting the issues from earlier in the season of possibly winning too many games. That changed in April, as the Thunder won only one of their 16 games and have pushed their way back into ping pong ball contention.
Lu Dort and Darius Bazley led the way for the team statistically this month. Dort’s early-season success is proving to be sustainable, averaging 24.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He only appeared in seven games for the team but this has been a trend all year. Similarly, Bazley played just 11 of the 16 contests but showed progression towards a more consistent role player, slashing to the rim almost at will, benefitting from the playmaking of rookie Theo Maledon.
Speaking of Maledon, the 19-year-old benefitted from being the starting point guard for the month. He averaging a solid 13.1 points, 3.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. He is showing more polish with every game. This was the perfect situation for a young guy to mold his game without the burden to win. He has made life easier for his fellow young teammates, the mark of a true point guard.