Oklahoma City Thunder: Contender or Pretender?

Throughout the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder has been defying the odds by sustaining winning streaks and playing stifling defense.

They have played out of their minds all year when most analysts predicted them to either finish just below the top eight teams in the Western Conference or just make the playoffs.

The Thunder have gotten as high as fourth in the Western Conference, and could possibly finish there by the end of the season.

The question is: Are the Oklahoma City Thunder a contender or a pretender? Can they legitimately pose a threat to the top teams in the Western Conference?

The top four teams in the Western Conference right now are the Lakers, Jazz, Mavericks, and Suns. These teams have been consistent all year, and so have the Oklahoma City Thunder.

They have gone on a nine game winning streak, and have stayed within striking distance of winning the Northwest Division.

They have stayed consistent all season by playing great team defense; they hold teams to 96.9 points per game, and also limit all opponents 44 percent shooting from the field.

They also have one of the best players in the NBA in Kevin Durant. He has made major strides this year in every category, and is willing his team to wins.

Durant isn't their only good player, they also have Russell Westbrook, who has the talent to be a future All-Star, and is already contributing a lot to the team.

They also have a couple of young up-and-coming players in James Harden, Serge Ibaka, and Eric Maynor. These players have contributed to the team in different areas.

James Harden has provided them with a scorer off the bench with his 9.9 points per game, Serge Ibaka has given them a much-needed shot blocker with his 1.3 blocks per game, and Eric Maynor has given them a backup point guard.

This team has proven all year that they are contenders, and they will continue to prove it. This team is ready, and they should win their first series and pose a threat to the team they play in the second round.