The Future Is Now: 5 Reasons Why the OKC Thunder Will Be Champions This Season

After putting a real scare into the eventual champion Lakers last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking primed for a deep playoff run this season.  

With another year of experience and a division title under its bel, this young squad is looking extremely dangerous as the playoffs approach—and rightfully so.  They have become the team that nobody wants to face out West.  

Just ask George Karl; he has publicly stated that he would rather have his Denver Nuggets face the reeling No. 3 seed Mavericks than the surging No. 4 seed Thunder.  Here are five reasons why the Thunder will win a championship this season.   

Team Chemistry and Cohesiveness

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: The Oklahoma City Thunder stand attended before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 116-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges an

The Thunder are often compared to a college team because of how close knit the team is.  They genuinely enjoy each others' company on and off the court.  This comradeship has helped them develop tremendous on-court chemistry, translating into a high degree of wins.  This team chemistry and cohesiveness will be invaluable once the playoffs begin.  

The Power of Loud City

If you watched the first round playoff series between the Lakers and the Thunder, then you know just how intimidating and hostile the Ford Center in Oklahoma City can be.  The haunting chants of "BEAT LA!" are probably still ringing in Kobe Bryant's ears.  The Ford Center is rightfully nicknamed Loud City and its electric (yes, I know they are the Thunder) atmosphere will make it extremely difficult for opposing teams to come into Oklahoma City and get a win with such rabid fans waiting for them.

They Have Won Against Elite Teams

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ford Center on January 30, 2011 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User

To anyone out there that does not believe the Thunder are ready to compete against the best teams in the league, think again. The Thunder have big wins this season against title contenders like San Antonio, Chicago, Boston(without Kevin Durant), Dallas, Miami and most recently, Los Angeles.  Let's take the April 10 victory over the Lakers, for example.  The Thunder were out running from the outset, and the Lakers failed to keep up.  

The Lakers chipped away at the lead, and OKC led 66-64 at halftime.  The biggest strength the Thunder showed in this game was mental toughness.  Even when the Lakers took away the Thunder's lead (the largest deficit was 12) in the third quarter, the Thunder never got rattled.  They responded with an 8-0 Thunder run.  This mental fortitude was further exemplified down the stretch, as OKC closed the game with a 16-2 run in the final three minutes to win 120-106 at the Staples Center.

This new found confidence and ability to close out games will help this young squad win games in the postseason.      

Kendrick Perkins and the Interior Defense

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Kendrick Perkins #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 116-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

Ever since the deadline day deal to acquire center Kendrick Perkins, the Thunder have evolved into an unstoppable force in the Western Conference.  Perkins provides Oklahoma City with the defensive stopper in the post that they sorely lacked last season against the Lakers.  The Thunder have posted an amazing 13-3 with Kendrick Perkins in the starting five and have been one of the hottest teams in the league for the last month.  

Another interesting fact is that the three losses in that span have been by a combined 13 points.  This shows that Oklahoma City has been competitive in every game Perkins has started and will not go down without a fight.  Sounds like a better formula than simply waiting for the switch to turn on in the postseason.     

The Best Duo in the NBA

Durant & Westbrook vs. LeBron & Wade.  We can argue for days as to which duo is better, but the fact of the matter is that the combination of Durant and Westbrook is simply too much for opposing defenses.  It is possible to maybe slow one of them down slightly, but premier players like Durant and Westbrook will find a way to get their points.  

Westbrook is possibly the fastest player in the league.  With his freakish athleticism, he presents a mismatch almost every night.  There is not a spot on the floor where Durant cannot make a basket. With this dynamic duo and a deep team of talented role players, the Oklahoma City Thunder look primed to win their first championship since their days as the Seattle SuperSonics.

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