NBA Power Rankings: 5 Teams Most Likely To Be Dynasties
By John Kim
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
April 11, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates with point guard Russell Westbrook (0) after the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The City Thunder defeated the Warriors 116-97. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Thunder have improved each and every year since their inaugural season in Oklahoma City. After falling to the Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals, the Thunder locked down the first seed in the West and had more Finals hopes. That is, until Russell Westbrook went down with an unfortunate injury that sent the team back.
Just a year ago, Kevin Durant and Westbrook were two 23-year olds leading a Thunder team against the juggernaut Heat on the biggest stage the NBA could offer. Now at the age of 24, don’t expect those two to go anywhere.
This last postseason proved how important Westbrook is to the Thunder. Make no doubt about it, Durant is the leader of this team but Westbrook brings a fire and passion that complements perfectly with Durant’s game. As a one-two punch, Durant and Westbrook can compete with the best of them.