Comeback Team Of The Year: The Thunder

Bryan Hudson by Contributor Written on November 06, 2009
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10:  Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up for a shot over Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.  The Lakers won 105-98.   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 Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Lets face it, the Thunder have been the biggest joke of the NBA for the past few years. It seemed whoever lost to the Thunder was the worst team in the NBA, but thats not going to be the case this year.

This year they have started off 2-2, yes not too impressive, but it is good enough to put them for the time being, in the playoff hunt. Why is this? Deffense, and a balanced offense.

The Thunder have four players averaging ten points or more and three of them averaging almost 15 and more, with Durant and Green leading the way with 23.5 and 19.8 ppg respectivly. Numbers like those are pretty good considering they are in the West.

Durant has become what he is expected to be. he should have been the number one draght pick over Odom and everyone knows it. Not only is he scoring at a high rate, but he leads the team in rebounds with 8.0 rpg, showing that he is a physical presense on the floor.

Their offense is not in the top ten in points per game or anything, but neither are the Boston Celtics, a team that has proved to be the best team thus far. like the Celtics, the Thunder get away with it because of their deffense.

The Thunder are 11th in the NBA in point differential, ahead of seven playoff teams from last year, including the deffending champs. They are 10th in rebound differential, again ahead of nine playoff teams from last year. They are number five in the league in assist differential which can mean one of two things. They are spreading the ball around better than anyone else, or their deffense is preventing other teams from moving the ball around.

15 of the 16 playoff teams from last year were in the top 16 in point differential, so if the thunder can hold true to their point differential now, then they are in the playoffs.

The Thunder have lost two close games this year to two very good teams. A tough loss to the trailblazors, and an overtime loss to the Lakers. I think the Thunder should be proud of that.

The Thunder should keep their confidence up, it could be the key to their season. In the end the Thunder will be the most improved team this year.

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written on November 06, 2009 Rankings/List

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