The time is now for OKC

The Oklahoma City Thunder has proven to be true contenders not only during the regular season, but during these playoffs as well.  The energy, the quickness, and the youth toppled the Dallas Mavericks in 4 games in a sweep considered to be a major statement considering Dallas was defending champions. During the Dallas-OKC series, they just couldn’t simply contain the NBA scoring leader for the 3^rd time “Durantula” Kevin Durant leading the way with a 26.2 point average, Russell Westbrook with 23.2 points for his own and showing the biggest improvement in his game which is hitting those midrange jump shots making it harder to defend him since defenders can no longer go under the screens to beg him to shoot those jump shots than drive to the lane for the layup, but now it’s almost as easy as layups for him hitting 49% of his field goals which is incredible for a point guard, And let’s not forget the leading scorer off the bench in the entire league with an average of 18 points per game and the 6^th man of the year James Harden. What sums it all up for the Thunder is the defense of  “Air Congo” Serge Ibaka  with an average of 3 blocks a game.

The way they were dismantled by the Mavericks last year with the shooting, the defense on Durant and Westbrook, and the experience propelled this Thunder team to new heights as a team finishing with the 2^nd best record with 47-19 during the regular season. The ability of the Durant and Westbrook to co-exist while needing their touches is a great improvement since many people stated that Westbrook has been taking too many shots in last year’s playoffs.

Now they have a tougher test ahead of them the always formidable and experienced LA Lakers, The exciting series for the two teams can be a baptism of fire for OKC or a chance for the Lakers to retain their glory. The matchup between the number one and two scorers in the league in Durant and Bryant is a must see, The backcourt matchup of speedsters Ramon Sessions and Westbrook, And the frontcourt battle of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka against the seven footers of LA Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

The result of Game 1 was a definite statement from the Thunder, they used the same energy, quickness, and youth against the Lakers beating them 119-90. The trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden lead the way with 25, 27 and 17 respectively. The defense of OKC played a key role forcing 15 turnovers from LA and converting them to 22 points. The Lakers put the Thunder on the free-throw line 29 times in Game 1. That's three more times than what Oklahoma City averaged during the regular season, and four more times than what it's averaged in the playoffs. Teams can't defend the charity stripe. OKC made 24 of 29 free throws Monday, with Durant, Westbrook and Harden each getting to the line at least six times. The Thunder's success at the foul line in Game 1 mirrored the team's regular season success, when it shot a league-leading 80.6%. If the Lakers continue to foul, they're basically bailing out the Thunder. The Thunder led by as many 35 points in Game 1 Monday before walking away with a 29-point victory. It was the largest lead of the season for the Thunder and the fourth-largest margin of victory in a playoff game in franchise history.

Now Game 1 is done, let’s all just wait and see if the Thunder will be dancing in June or going fishing.