How the Thunder can learn from the Trail Blazers perseverance + their 2018/19 season in review24/4/2019 The 40 foot jumper, the 50 points, wave goodbye and that Dame Dolla stare was the dagger to the hearts of Thunder fans. In that moment, it feels like nothing else could be more painful. Just scenes of jubilant Portland fans, flying confetti and players on top of each other. It's an image that will stick for a very long time. But it's also a memory that may even help to ignite the fire for the Oklahoma City Thunder next season. A lot will be written in the coming days and well into the NBA off-season about what the Thunder weren't able to achieve and if reform of personnel is the answer. But it pays to take a closer look into the team's flaws from not just the players put on the floor or the Head Coach. Because as seen for about three quarters of The Thunder's 2018/19 season, they were thriving. They had the best defence in the NBA with Paul George and Russ leading the league in steals, the best back-up point guard in Dennis Schroder, a near All-Star in Steven Adams and agile three-and-D specialists Jerami Grant and Terrance Ferguson who filled a great shooting void. It felt like the team was unbreakable, not just the starting five but the bench as well. It's just a shame that they don't have a playoff series victory to show for it. And I guess it does come down to playing the best for the entire NBA season. General Manager Sam Presti and the front office in OKC put together a team that was built with the intention of going all the way. And the old apothegm "defence wins championships" couldn't have been more apparent. Bigger than all of this though is something that might've been the true cause of the Thunder's third playoff exit in three consecutive years. That being - composure. Staying in control and maintaining a lead in the ball game was so much harder for the Thunder this season than probably playing it. There is no doubt that on their night, they were shooting the lights out of the arena and winning games with sheer grit. But when it came time to close the game, that's when the Thunder's panic play was exposed. In my opinion, I don't think trading players or getting a new Coach is what's best for the Thunder moving forward even when talking about an Oklahoma City Thunder team that could win the championship. It's been proven from many teams not just in basketball, that sticking with a core group is what makes them successful. If the Thunder had not been playing competently for most of the season with their strong defensive abilities, then I think that's when the question of bringing in some shooters would have to be considered but in this case, I don't think it has to be a conversation. Change is the thing we think about as soon as something doesn't work out, but what about persistence? The Portland Trailblazers had been swept from the first round of the playoffs two years in a row, (by the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans) trade talk lingered and injury had hindered them. But this didn't stop them from continuing to fight and coming back for another season with the same squad hungry for redemption. This persistence only served to be a reward. And I think the Thunder could learn a thing or two from Portland's approach and the ruthless yet quiet confidence of their superstar Lillard. In spite of their heartbreaking elimination, the Thunder created some unforgettable memories throughout the season. One game that will always stand out for me was their December 6 114-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets. When MVP candidate PG13 scored 25 points in the fourth quarter to close an 18 point deficit and hit the game-winning buzzer beater. Which also saw him finish with 47 points and Russ eclipsing Jason Kidd for third all-time on the triple-double leaderboard. The celebrations afterward is also what I'll always remember. I'll also never forget rookie Hamidou Diallo winning the Dunk Contest in his own Superman way, the mimicking of the 'Kiwi step' from the Thunder bench or the windmill dunks. I guess for now, all we can do is step back and admire the marvel that is Damian Lillard. From East Oakland to downtown Portland, Oregon people will always know what time it is when the ball's in Dame's court. As a Thunder fan, a deep playoff run and a championship was what I hoped and envisioned and as it didn't pan out that way, I think that the Thunder being able to go up against the Trail Blazers was a great lesson. Next season will bring its challenges but also more amazing moments And it will be interesting to see how the inclusion of Andre Roberson impacts on the team.
Nevertheless it seems that Loud City is not giving up. We'll still be around no matter what. And when the party's over and the light's go out we'll still be ready to roar. Until next season #ThunderUp
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