Two years ago the Oklahoma City Thunder were the new kids on the block. The trio of James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant shocked the world by knocking off the San Antonio Spurs in route to the NBA Finals. The Thunder put up a valiant effort, falling to the Miami Heat in five hard fought games.
Last year the Thunder entered the season with the franchises highest expectations since moving to Oklahoma City. James Harden was dealt to the Houston Rockets in an unexpected deal prior to the start of the season. The Thunder acquired Kevin Martin to fill in the scoring void. With the emergence of Serge Ibaka as a consistent scorer, Oklahoma City moved on with the belief the team had enough to win a championship.
Russell Westbrook's torn meniscus proved to be too much for Oklahoma City to overcome. The Grizzlies overwhelmed a depleted Thunder roster in a relatively easy five game second-round series. During the offseason Durant made it known he's tired of finishing in second place.
The Thunder have been an anomaly the entire season. Sometimes they appear to be a better ballclub without Westbrook. At a certain juncture Durant and Westbrook can be the best duo in the league. Right now the team is facing elimination to a team they're supposed to be better than.
Durant is the favorite to win his first MVP award this season. Going into a hostile environment needing a win to survive calls for an MVP performance. The Oklahoman released a headline today calling Durant "Mr. Unreliable". Carmelo Anthony would be used to such an accusation playing in New York. These are unchartered waters for the 25 year old superstar. One thing that's certain is Durant needs to step up with a statement game if he is truly worthy of the NBA MVP award.
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