Thunder Update 6

The Oklahoma City Thunder are now on a five game winning streak heading into tomorrows game against the San Antonio Spurs. Oklahoma City now has a record of 47-16, and things are only going to get better this season. Earlier today the Thunder defeated Kendrick Perkins former team the Celtics. The Thunder won 91-79, which is a way better outcome than the last time they played in Boston (Boston won 108-100). Kevin Durant recorded yet another double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, which was complimented by Russell Westbrook's 15 points in this double digit victory. The Celtics limited the Thunder's average of 107 points per game (an NBA best) to 91, but the outstanding defensive effort throughout the game made it enough to get a comfortable win.

Monday nights game will be no easy win, but will most likely be the deciding matter to whether or not the Thunder get the first or second seed in the West. The Thunder will come into the game only being behind one game for the number one spot in the West. Winning this game will not only tie up the race for first, but also give the Thunder a huge mental edge heading into the post season. Oklahoma City does have one thing going in their favor as they head into the house of the best home record in the NBA... San Antonio's leading scorer Tony Parker will not be playing due to his ankle injury a few days ago. There is a debate about whether or not having home court advantage effects the Thunder considering they didn't have it last year and defeated the Spurs in six games. When asking Kendrick Perkins about the situation he states "It's important, no matter how guys try to look at it". Tomorrow will be the third matchup between these two teams this season (the fourth will be played on April 4th), the Spurs won the first game 86-84 in San Antonio, and the Thunder took the second one 107-93 in OKC. It is clear that this is a must win for OKC. Kevin Durant is only averaging 21 points per game this season against San Antonio (which is a Western Conference low). Russell Westbrook will have to have a huge game giving lots of helpers (as CGilmartin likes to call them) to the outside shooters, and the trees inside the paint.

Oklahoma City seems to be meshing well with the new comers on the team. Derek Fisher has proven that he can give valuable minutes to the team. Am I saying he is a guy who deserves first half playing time? No, not at all! He brings great experience and leadership to the team, but he is not a guy who needs to be in a tight first half situation. Fisher is averaging 4.6 points per game to go along with 2 rebounds per game and 1.6 assist. Fisher could give us that push that lead us to the finals last year. Ronnie Brewer is only getting 8:30 minutes per game, which is a lot less than I personally expected. Brewer is bringing 1.7 points per game and 1.3 steals per game to the table. Now to our franchise players... Kevin Durant is still doing what he does leading the league in scoring with 28.5 points per game. Durant recently recorded his second career triple-double although it did come as a Thunder loss. Russell Westbrook is still holding his ground at fifth in the league in assist with 7.7 per game. Our defensive player of the year candidate Serge Ibaka remains in second place for blocks per game with 2.95.

Here are the current standings through 63 games:
*3/11/13 Note Worthy: Oklahoma City moves within one game behind the Spurs for best record in the West
Eastern Conference Standings:

Atlantic:
New York(38-22)
Brooklyn(37-26)
Boston(34-28)
Toronto(25-39)
Philadelphia(23-39)

Central:
Indiana(39-24)
Chicago(35-28)
Milwaukee(32-29)
Detroit(23-41)
Cleveland(21-42)

Southeast:
Miami(47-14)
Atlanta(34-28)
Washington(20-41)
Orlando(18-46)
Charlotte(13-50)

Western Conference Standings:

Southwest:
San Antonio(48-15)
Memphis(42-19)
Houston(34-30)
Dallas(29-33)
New Orleans(22-42)

Northwest:
Oklahoma City(47-16)
Denver(42-22)
Utah(32-31)
Portland(29-33)
Minnesota(21-39)

Pacific:
LA Clippers(44-20)
Golden St.(35-29)
LA Lakers(33-31)
Phoenix(22-41)
Sacramento(22-43)