Ball In 76ers' court, But Thunder Making NoiseStiff competition may await A-Train and the 76ers in their quest to win their sixth titlePHILADELPHIA, PA -- The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2019 season with two goals: to finally become the first team to go undefeated in the regular season, and to win their sixth-consecutive championship. So far, their bid to do both is looking good, but if they make their way to the NBA Finals once again, they could be facing some tough competition.
Few teams have looked as dominant as Philadelphia has this decade, and to be fair, they're still in a class of their own. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder are shaping up to be a strong competitor for the crown if they make it out of the West. Although they can't match the 76ers' incredible 47-game winning streak, they remain one of the hottest teams in the league right now, winning their last 13 games to enter February with a 33-13 record. Unsurprisingly, Kevin Durant is leading the charge, and the star forward even sat atop the league in scoring before a 73-point game by Andrew Begley pushed the 76ers' guard ahead as January drew to a close.
"We've definitely got our eye on them," said A-Train of the Thunder, who will play host to the defending champions on February 12th. This potential NBA Finals preview right before the All-Star break is generating a ton of buzz, as fans and pundits alike have been wondering if the combination of Durant's dominant scoring, the defensive prowess of Steven Adams and Serge Ibaka, and an unorthodox backcourt of Isaiah Thomas and D.J. Augustin, can actually challenge the might of Philadelphia's dynasty.
Believers have been quick to point out to sceptics that many had written the Thunder off when Russell Westbrook left for Miami in 2017, suggesting that it was only a matter of time before Durant demanded a trade, sending the team into a tailspin towards the lottery for the foreseeable future. Despite going 26-56 last year, Durant's loyalty has remain unshaken however, and now the team appears poised to make a serious run. If they remain healthy and end up facing the 76ers, they may be the defending champions' toughest NBA Finals opponent to date.
A-Train certainly seems to agree. "Obviously, the last five years have given us plenty of confidence, tested our resolve. You can't take anything for granted, though. Kevin's a superstar, he's a threat to drop 40 or 50 on anyone on any given night. We don't take anyone lightly, and they're looking really good this year. Mind you, we're feeling pretty good about where we're at, too."
Philadelphia has every right to be confident, though this year has been challenging despite their record. Terry Hanson is healthy, but his status as a bench player - only stepping into the starting lineup when Carmelo Anthony is unavailable - remains a point of contention between A-Train and head coach Johnny Davis. Although A-Train's numbers are still amazing and he's turned in some incredible performances, he's also looked tired at times, often taking on a more passive role that we haven't seen him in since his rookie season. Melo's injuries are adding up, and Thaddeus Young has been hobbled as well. It undoubtedly sounds strange to say given their winning streak, but they may not be as invincible as they first appear.
It's still been an impressive season for them though, and they remain the favourites to win a sixth-consecutive championship; a feat that only Bill Russell's Boston Celtics have previously achieved. That alone was an intriguing tale entering the 2019 season, but with the rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder, we may be in for an epic showdown come June.