The dream postseason matchup for each potential NBA playoff team
By Evan Kelly
3 vs 6: Thunder vs Suns
The face of the previous iteration of the Thunder's young powerhouse team is back to face the latest version. Kevin Durant playing playoff games in Oklahoma City as a visitor is another visual that NBA fans have long yearned for. While much of the Thunder fans' animosity towards Durant has dwindled in the year since his 2016 departure, what better way to stir up those old feelings than playoff basketball?
Durant, alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, would be a brutal first-round draw for any top-4 team in the West, but maybe especially the Thunder. Durant and Booker bring a plethora of playoff experience to the table, something that the Thunder severely lack.
While very young, there is no reason to bet against this Thunder team. The trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgreen are as impressive a young core you will find in the NBA and fit seamlessly together. It is hard not to think back to the days of Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden sharing the court in OKC over a decade ago before all going their separate ways.
This current era of Thunder basketball feels almost like a chance at redemption for GM Sam Presti and the Thunder fan base. Once again blessed with a young superstar MVP candidate flanked by two of the brightest young talents in the game, the Thunder have a chance to finally win the championship that has long eluded them.
Taking out Durant in round one may give them all the momentum they need to make a run for the title. On the other hand, this incredible season ending at the hands of Kevin Durant would be nothing short of heartbreaking for a fanbase that has no shortage of experience in that department.