NBA 2018-19: 5 reasons why the OKC Thunder could be a legitimate threat to the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have become an unstoppable force in the NBA since the 2014/15 season and their chances have just been enhanced with the arrival of superstar KEvin Durant in 2016 and the addition of Demarcus Cousins after two titles in a row and two Finals MVP for Durant.

Every team in the Western Conference is shaping its squad thinking of stopping the Warriors, which would not be an easy task. OKC was one of two teams in the west closer to eliminate Golden State in the playoffs when they had a 3-1 lead in the 2016 WCF with Durant on their squad, but they could not close them out.

There is something about this fixture that gets the fans and media crazy. It is an encounter between once good friends Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, now on different sides. Will Westbrook get his revenge?

Let us take a look into the 5 reasons why OKC might be a real threat to Golden State's dominance.

5. Last Season head-to-head: 2-2

Related image — OKC will be competitive against the all-conquering Warriors

In the 2017-18 season, the four matchups were split evenly between the two teams. This itself shows that Thunder cannot be written off whenever they match up against the Warriors. Thunder won the first two games last year, and as they were missing defensive anchor Andre Roberson in the following two fixtures, they couldn’t keep the Warriors at bay.

4. Andre Roberson's comeback

Image result for andre roberson — Roberson is the main piece in OKC's defense

OKC was a strong defensive squad when Roberson played last year, but without him, they were an average defensive unit. Roberson tore his left patellar tendon in late January last season, which forced him to miss the rest of the 2017-18 regular season and the playoffs, where the Thunder lost to the Utah Jazz in the first round.

With Roberson gone, changes in defensive plans saw Paul George focusing more on the defensive side and the Thunder’s defense and all-around game was not as sharp.

3. Came close once – Hunger for revenge

Image result for okc vs gsw 2016 — Can Westbrook and OKC beat Durant and the Warriors in a playoffs matchup?

None NBA fan is forgetting the 3-1 lead OKC blew against the Warriors in the 2015-16 season in a hurry. Russell Westbrook will be looking for revenge against his then teammate, Durant. Although they seem to have put their differences behind them in the last All-Star game, when they lined up on the same side, there might be some fire between the two if both squads face off in the playoffs.

2. Signing Dennis Schroder

OKC has acquired Dennis Schroder from the Atlanta Hawks. Schroder’s numbers were good last season, averaging almost 20 points and dishing out over six assists per game.

Last season, OKC’s backup point guard was a 34-year-old Raymond Felton, with Schroder coming in, that problem is taken care of by adding depth to the line-up. This would allow the Thunder to rest Westbrook more than they have in previous seasons. Westbrook is a phenomenal player, but more rest would improve his game and benefit his team at the same time.

1. No Carmelo Anthony

Image result for carmelo anthony — The great Carmelo Anthony did not enjoy a happy campaign with OKC

The best thing OKC did in the off-season was to get rid of Carmelo Anthony. He was once the best scorer in the NBA and is a future Hall of Fame member, but in the recent years, he has proven to be more of a defensive liability for his squads, unfortunately.

Now, in the 2018-19 season, led by Russell Westbrook and Paul George the Thunder have a clear picture and two proven All-Star caliber players.