Oklahoma City Thunder Enjoy Success Away from Home

The Ford Center is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Each home game, nearly 18,000 fans travel downtown to support the team. From Loud City to the Thunder Girls, attending a Thunder home game is a great experience.

But watching them on the road is even better.

In the NBA, the success of teams is not only measured by how well they play at home,  but also by how they fare away from the comfort zone of their local arenas.

As of Monday, the Thunder were 11-8 at the Ford Center. But more importantly, they are 10-8 on the road, winning by an average of 9.1 points per game, including five double-digit wins. Four of the eight road losses have been by six points or less, including a three-point loss to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

The team's success on the road has led to a boost in confidence, better performances, and a chance at a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Should they continue their current level of play, the Thunder may earn a lower seed in the playoffs.

However, the way they have played on the road this year to date will prove to be beneficial, as they will not have the luxury of playing the majority of playoff games on their home court.

You may be saying, "Big deal. 10-8 on the road. Who cares?" 

Consider this: The Thunder won eight road games all of last year, but they won their eighth road game in 15 tries this year. That's a significant improvement, and half the season hasn't even been played yet.

Let's look at the road records of the top eight seeds in the Western Conference to date:

Los Angeles: 8-5

Dallas: 13-6

Denver: 8-11

Phoenix: 9-10

San Antonio: 6-7

Portland: 9-9

Houston: 10-13

Oklahoma City: 10-8

Five of the eight teams have a road record of .500 or less. Last season, four teams from the Western Conference (and five teams from the Eastern Conference) made the playoffs with a road record of .500 or less. This is an alarming trend, considering how crucial it is for an NBA team to be successful on the road.

Although winning in front of your home fans is a great feeling, there is an equal satisfaction of going into someone else's house and beating them on their home court, especially in the postseason.

Note to the Western Conference: The Thunder look forward to meeting you in the playoffs. 

Oh, you say it's at your place? No problem; we'll meet you there.