5 reasons the Oklahoma City Thunder can win the NBA Championship

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Russell Westbrook #0 and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 5, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Thunder defeated the Nets 114-112. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- APRIL 2: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 2, 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. The Cultivation of Chaos

Unsurprisingly, considering their defensive acumen, the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the league in defensive turnover percentage as well as in deflections and steals. With their speed on the defensive end, spearheaded by the roving nature of Russell Westbrook and Paul George, they are able to disrupt opponent’s schemes and throw their offense into a state of confusion, preventing them from finding any sort of rhythm.

The Thunder are also second in loose balls recovered, which further testifies to their hustle on both sides of the ball. All of this together has helped them come in fifth in fastbreak points, showcasing their ability to blow a game wide open through speed and hustle and an intentional courting of chaos — a style they have honed and grown comfortable with that may very well unsettle opponents.

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