Oklahoma City Thunder: Who Is the Most Important Player on Their Team?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have exceeded lofty expectations for the 2012 NBA season. The team has been dominant throughout the year.

Although the Thunder have recently run into a three-game losing streak, OKC seems ready for the playoffs and a shot at their first NBA Finals appearance since the move to Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City is one of the few teams in the NBA fortunate to have a "Big Three."

Their three stars consist of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Durant is the face of the organization. He has been billed as the NBA's best all-around player alongside LeBron James.

Durant has been the NBA's scoring champ the last two seasons and will likely finish second this season. He is a great scorer, improving on defense, and one of the most clutch players in the league. He's the heart of the Thunder.

Harden provides a spark for his team that few others can create. He is electrifying off the pick, and has one of the sweetest three-point jumpers around. Harden is also the Thunder's best playmaker and often runs the show to close out games.

Westbrook is the most controversial of the three players. He is the show-stopper. Westbrook does what no one else on his team does.

He can get to the rim at will and is by far the most electric player on the team. He is often criticized for his focus on scoring rather than assists, but is still having his best year since entering the NBA.

The Thunder are a deep team. They even embody the word team. Every player on their roster is valuable.

However, there is one player I believe to be of extreme importance.

That player is Westbrook. Durant is a better all-around player. Harden is consistent off the bench, but Westbrook holds the Thunder's success in his hand.

If he is consistent in his play, the Thunder can beat any opponent they might face. If Westbrook struggles, OKC struggles.

When the Thunder have lost to teams like Miami and San Antonio, Westbrook has been awful.

The reason is Westbrook lifts the pressure off Durant when he plays well and puts it on the opposing team's defense.

Durant is going to score, Harden is going to facilitate and Westbrook is going to have us wondering exactly what he'll be doing.

The key is for him to be efficient, limit his turnovers and take the shots he's consistent at.

Then, OKC can truly enjoy playoff success and win their first title.

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