Super-Overreactionizer: The Wizards, Thunder, Blazers, and Nets should just give up

All Noise and No Spark for the Thunder

By Robby Kalland (@RKalland)

After Game 4, it’s clear to me that for the Thunder there’s no actual substance, just a lot of noise.

Oklahoma City had their chances in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Clippers in their Western Conference Semifinal series, but squandered away a 17-point lead as Los Angeles evened the series and, more importantly, stole the momentum.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook showed that they still can’t work together in late game situations. In the fourth quarter of Game 4 they each wanted to be the hero, and ultimately both failed. They can sweep the problems under the rug all they want, but the dirt is starting to show on the court. Westbrook refuses to defer to the MVP, instead chucking shot after shot no matter the situation and no matter the defense.

Meanwhile, Durant’s too soft to demand the ball. Did Jordan ever have a problem telling Pippen to give him the ball? Did Bird? Did Magic? No.

Durant lacks that killer instinct, and until that changes it’s going to be the reason he and the Thunder never win a title. Durant’s happy to just stand-by and watch as Westbrook launches ill-advised shots, and instead of chastising him as he should, he goes out and thanks him in his MVP speech.

Durant can make a great speech like Lincoln, but Westbrook is his John Wilkes Booth, killing his chances of finishing the job.

The Thunder need killer instinct from their leader, and they just don’t have it. Can it be learned? Sure, LeBron did. But it’s clear that Durant’s not there yet. For the Thunder to become true contenders, Durant’s got to be more aggressive and that means Westbrook’s got to go.

Durant’s too comfortable in a lesser role next to Russell and will never become the great player he can be and needs to be with Westbrook next to him, dominating the ball. Both are the same age, so unlike LeBron and Wade, time will not dictate one of them deferring to the other, instead it will be a battle of wills.

A battle Durant will never win.

Westbrook believes he’s that player when he isn’t. He has the confidence Durant should have to take the ball and try to score, but unfortunately for the Thunder he can’t do it consistently. With Durant unwilling to demand the rock, Scott Brooks sits idly by, staring off into space as the two run his team into the ground.

With Brooks and Durant refusing stand up to Westbrook, the Thunder are doomed to repeat the same pattern over and over. The Thunder might squeak by the Clippers, who are Charmin Soft in their own right, but they certainly don’t stand a chance against the Spurs and those grizzled veterans, hardened by the experiences of countless playoff battles.

Something’s gotta give for the Thunder between Durant and Westbrook, or else they’ll just continue to give way to stronger willed opponents in the West.

A lotta noise but no lightning. I guess the Thunder really is the appropriate name.