When was the last time a defending champion got swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs?
When the seeding came out for this year playoffs, seeing Oklahoma City matched up against Dallas I got extra hype. After their series last year and their regular season battles this year, playoffs match had all the right story lines. Dirk vs. Durant. Champions vs. up and coming Challengers; Experience vs. very little experience.
Well, it didn’t take long for the Thunder to show the world what they learned last year by losing to the Mavericks. In fact, I’m sure the Mavericks didn’t expect a Thunder-storm that loud and it resulting in them being swept. By the way it’s the first in Mavericks franchise history being swept.
The Thunder was down 13-points entering the fourth quarter, of game four this past Saturday night, and then the storm began. The lighting fast (James) Harden took the game over beard and all. His 15 of 29 points came in that period and the thunder soon followed.
Can you say passing of the torch?
In most recent years the NBA champion has a current make-up to their roster. A bone-a-fide superstar, a number two, that on a non-playoff team would be the number one star, a bruiser caliber type player, a wildcard player and a bench. There’s only a few of teams that meet that description. Heat. Lakers. And the Thunder.
The Thunder have it all Kevin Durant (bond-a-fide superstar), Westbrooks (number two), Perkins (bruiser), and James Harden (wildcard) who was the driving force in the come from behind close out game against the Mavs. There framework seems to be perfect not to mention their superstar is far from an ego head case. At this point I can’t see any reason why they won’t come out the West, or even walk away with the title come June, bar any major injury.
Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.
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