As superstars flocked to the Western Conference, few expected the young OKC Thunder to even contend for a top 6 berth. However, they defied all odds in the 2023-24 season, becoming the youngest team ever to secure the No. 1 seed in the West. While this achievement warrants respect, Shannon Sharpe disagrees, labeling them as the 'weakest No. 1 seed.'
"Do you actually think that the OKC Thunder can actually make it to the Western Conference (Finals)? Do you think they fear the OKC Thunder having home court? Really?" Sharpe asked on First Take. "This might be the weakest No. 1 seed in the NBA."
Windhorst believes Sharpe will regret his assessment
Despite the relative lack of experience on the Thunder roster, with many players yet to experience the intensity of playoff basketball, their team chemistry has been exceptional this season. Having recorded the third-best offensive rating at 119.5, the fourth-best defensive rating at 112.1, and the second-best net rating with a +7.4 tally justifies just that. Additionally, they were also the 8th fastest team this season.
While experienced star-studded teams struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, the Thunder's longest losing streak was just three games, occurring only once, highlighting just how stable they were this season.
Considering these impressive stats, Sharpe's analysis of the Thunder drew sharp criticism from Stephen A. Smith, who characterized it as 'very disrespectful.'
Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst admitted that while the 2023-24 Thunder might not replicate the same level of dominance as the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, who compiled a stellar 67-15 record in the regular season and suffered only one playoff defeat en route to their championship triumph, he suggested that Shannon would regret his words in due time.
OKC Thunder isn't getting the respect they deserve
Sharpe isn't the sole skeptic in the media when it comes to the OKC Thunder's prospects in the 2024 playoffs. While analyzing the Golden State Warriors' postseason potential in the wake of them posting a 27-12 record in the second half of the season, Keyshawn Johnson asserted that Curry & Co. would comfortably advance to the second round after defeating the inexperienced Thunder.
While some media personnel may doubt Mark Daigneault's team's ability to make a deep playoff push, they surely overlook how well-coached they are, how they possess a relentless fighting spirit, and have beaten championship favorites night in and night out, justified in their record of 3-1 against the Denver Nuggets, 1-1 against the Boston Celtics, 2-1 against the LA Clippers, 2-2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 3-1 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Given the high volumes of doubters, the blazing Thunder team will be ready to shut their critics once they take the court in these playoffs.
Related: "They've been here from day one" - Isiah Thomas praises the Oklahoma City Thunder for their consistency
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