While the losses keep piling up, the end result may not be as bad as most Thunder fans think. Oklahoma City failed to keep pace with the reigning NBA Champs, but it can learn a few things from the way Boston played.
The Celtics won last year behind their own version of the big three, something OKC would love to emulate over the next decade. Boston wins with their defense first even if the offense gets all the love. Could the Thunder be trying to follow the same pattern?
Look closer at the recent tough stretch, and the stats are not nearly what they appear. Expecting a few more blowouts, the defense has been getting the job done in March. Only twice in 14 games have opponents scored over 110 points and only half of the contests saw OKC surrender 101 or more.
True, the Thunder have a long way to go but adding offense in the draft will be easier. The defense has overcome a very rough start to the season and may even reach a milestone that the franchise hasn't seen since the 04-05 campaign.
Oklahoma City sits at 103.0 points against per game. If that average can fall three more points, it will be the first time since the Sonics' 52-win season that mark was reached. It won't be easy but then again, the Thunder weren't expected to win 20 times this season either.
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