NBA 2018-19: 3 Things that we have learned from the Oklahoma City Thunder's season so far

The Oklahoma City Thunder started the 18/19 NBA season with a 0-4 start, which was the worst in franchise history. Nevertheless, the team has drastically improved since the disastrous start, and the Thunder currently sit third in the Western Conference standings.

The Thunder are currently in all-out win mode as the franchise is aware that they have a three-year window to win a first NBA Championship. Russell Westbrook and Paul George are in the prime of their careers, while Andre Roberson and Steven Adams are also approaching their peak. With that said, the Thunder have impressed so far this season, and here are three key takeaways to OKC's season so far.

---

#3 Paul George is stepping up

Paul George scored 47 points during the Thunders comeback win against the Brooklyn Nets

During the OKC Thunder's 17/18 playoff series defeat against the Utah Jazz, Paul George was much criticized for his performance in game six. The 28-year-old scored just 5 points while shooting 2-16 from the field, and many analysts stated that PG13 would not be seen in a Thunder jersey again.

Despite this, Paul George signed a huge $137 four-year contract to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder over the summer, and he has so far more than justified his max-deal. George dropped a memorable 47 points on the Nets, and the All-Star is currently averaging 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists-per-game.

All of these stats are significant improvements over George's figures for the 17/18 season, and the former Pacers man has successfully stepped up to fill the void left by Kevin Durant's departure in 2016. Ultimately, George's performances are fuelling an exciting season for the OKC Thunder, and the 28-year-old could soon become the team's star player.

#2 The bench is stronger than ever

Nerlens Noel has been a great addition to the Thunder's bench

Since Kevin Durant left in 2016, the Thunder have struggled badly without Russell Westbrook on the court. Whenever Westbrook sat on the bench, the OKC offense effectively came to a standstill, and the 2017 MVP would often return to the court with his team down by a large margin.

General Manager, Sam Presti was aware that the franchise needed to strengthen their reserve unit and Presti set about doing this during the 2018 offseason. Ultimately, the Thunder managed to add both Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel, two players who are in their prime and had been regular starters until they landed in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder's second unit has also been boosted by a number of surprise performances by young players such as Hamidou Diallo, and it looks as though the Thunder finally have a bench that will not hinder their ability to compete against the NBA's best teams.

#1 Russell Westbrook's best version

Westbrook let PG13 take over in the Thunder's win over the Nets

So far during the 18/19 NBA season, we have seen both versions of Russell Westbrook, although we are increasingly seeing his unselfish version, that can still easily record a triple-double.

In recent years, Westbrook has been rightfully accused of hurling up awful shots as he attempts to get his team back into the game, and we have also seen this during games this season, such as when Westbrook was 6-23 from the field and an abysmal 1-12 from behind the arc against the Nuggets.

While the 30-year-old received much criticism for that performance, Westbrook has since been more willing to sit back and let others take over. The 2017 MVP has allowed both Paul George and Dennis Schroder to take over late in the fourth quarter and the Thunder have undoubtedly benefited from Westbrook's change in approach.