The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive run in the NBA on Wednesday evening, defeating the Boston Celtics by a score of 118-112. This victory was yet another testament to the team’s resilience and determination, led by their star player and MVP frontrunner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Despite this big win against one of the league’s top teams, some doubts have been raised about the Thunder’s chances of becoming champions this year. Former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins recently shared his thoughts on the team’s title prospects on ESPN’s “First Take”.
Perkins acknowledged the Thunder’s impressive performance against the Celtics, but quickly shut down any talk of them being potential champions this season. He pointed out that while the Thunder have been playing exceptionally well, they still have a long way to go before they can compete with the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers or the Milwaukee Bucks.
While it may be easy to dismiss Perkins’ comments as mere speculation, there is some truth to what he said. The Thunder have surprised many with their strong performances this season, considering they were predicted to be one of the weaker teams in the league after trading away their star players, Russell Westbrook and Paul George, during the offseason.
But despite these initial doubts, the Thunder have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. Led by the dynamic duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chris Paul, along with a solid supporting cast, they have quickly become one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Gilgeous-Alexander, in particular, has been a revelation this season. The 21-year-old has stepped up as the team’s go-to player and has been putting up impressive numbers night after night. He is currently averaging 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, making a strong case for himself as a potential MVP candidate.
But what sets the Thunder apart from other teams is their resilience and team chemistry. They have a never-say-die attitude and have shown that they are capable of overcoming adversity to secure victories. This was evident in their game against the Celtics, where they fought back from a 18-point deficit to come out on top.
Furthermore, the Thunder have a strong sense of camaraderie and trust in each other, which has translated into their on-court performances. They play as a team, with every player contributing to their success, rather than relying solely on one or two star players.
While it may be too early to label the Thunder as championship contenders, they have certainly proven themselves to be a formidable opponent in the league. They have also shown that they can compete with the top teams and have the potential to cause upsets in the playoffs.
In conclusion, while Kendrick Perkins may not see the Thunder as championship material this year, they have certainly exceeded expectations and have the potential to go far in the playoffs. With their talented roster, strong team chemistry, and never-say-die attitude, the Thunder are definitely a team to watch out for in the upcoming games. So, Thunder fans, don’t lose hope – your team may just surprise everyone and make a deep playoff run this season.
