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Golden State Warriors: The Thunder are no longer a threat

By Tony Pesta

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on March 16, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on March 16, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Oklahoma City Thunder once posed a huge threat to the Golden State Warriors. Now, that fear should be gone.

A month ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder looked like one of the best teams in the Western Conference. It appeared that they would be a serious threat to the Golden State Warriors. Now, after a recent slump, the Thunder don’t look so scary anymore.

See, the Thunder were on a rampage in early 2019. Paul George was dominating both ends of the floor and was a serious candidate for both the Most Valuable Player Award and the Defensive Player of the Year. Winning both awards would be a feat that no player has accomplished since Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1993-94 season.

In the months of January and February, George was averaging 31.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game. This was the best stretch of his career and the Thunder won 15 of their 24 games. This included a streak of seven consecutive wins for the Thunder, matching their season high.

Meanwhile, Steven Adams was locking down the paint while Russell Westbrook was averaging his usual triple-double. Side note: it is kind of insane to think that Russ is about to average a triple-double for the third year in a row and yet no one is acknowledging it. But, that is another topic for another day.

Anyways, the Thunder were on pace to be a force in the Western Conference. Then, they suddenly fell off. Since the All-Star break, the Thunder have gone 6-11 and have looked like an entirely different team.

During this recent slump, George’s production has taken a large dip. In his last 11 games, PG is averaging 25.8 points on 38.9 percent shooting from the field. This is six fewer points per game on six percent worse shooting from the floor than he was previously averaging.

As a result, the Thunder have dropped to the 7-seed in the West and very well could end up in the eighth spot before the year is over. This is a far cry from the team that was competing for the two-spot only a few weeks ago.

Next. Would the Warriors benefit from a new playoff format?. dark

The playoffs are quickly approaching and OKC is faltering. With Golden State ramping up for a big postseason run, Oklahoma no longer appears to be a threat.

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