Thunder poses big test for Bulls
The Bulls own the NBA’s best record and Miami still boasts the greatest collection of stars. Right now, though, Oklahoma City is the team to beat for the NBA title.
The reason is simple enough — the Thunder can put the best lineup in basketball on the floor.
During Oklahoma City’s current five-game winning streak, forward Kevin Durant is averaging 29.2 points, guard Russell Westbrook is at 29.0 and guard James Harden has come off the bench to contribute 16.8 points, while shooting 56 percent.
On the inside, the Thunder has the NBA’s shot-block leader in Serge Ibaka and an experienced big man in Kendrick Perkins, who played in the Finals twice with Boston.
“That team is well put together,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “They’re deep. They play hard. They play unselfishly. Their defense has improved. There isn’t much they don’t have, and they’re hungry.”
Needless to say, the Bulls are in for a nice challenge when they take on the Thunder in Oklahoma today at noon in a battle of teams with the best records in the league.
Derrick Rose almost certainly won’t play because of a groin strain, though Thibodeau continues to insist Rose is a game-time decision. There is a much better chance Richard Hamilton will return to the lineup for the first time since suffering a bruised right shoulder March 5.
When the Bulls played Denver last Monday, the Nuggets were the NBA’s highest-scoring team. Since then, Oklahoma City has taken over that title.
During the Thunder’s five-game winning streak, it has scored at least 102 points in each contest. The run includes a 16-point win over Miami, a 23-point win over the Clippers and second-half domination during a 102-93 road win over the Lakers on Thursday.
In a 149-140 overtime win against Minnesota last week, Westbrook scored 45 points and Durant added 40.
“We’re on a nice streak right now,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. “We’re playing good basketball. But you can’t rest and we can’t feel good about ourselves, because that’s when you get hit.”
Miami’s calling card is the Power Trio, arguably the greatest collection of stars in league history with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. But the Heat’s supporting cast continues to be a weakness. Nonscoring center Joel Anthony has slipped defensively, while point guard Mario Chalmers still runs hot and cold.
As of Sunday morning, though, Oklahoma City’s Big Three of Durant, Westbrook and Harden were averaging more points (69.2) than Miami’s trio (67.8).
The Bulls take pride in their outstanding depth, which is why they’ve gone 14-5 with Rose out of the lineup this season. There have been many times when the Bulls’ bench has played better than the starters.
Oklahoma City, in contrast, basically sticks with eight guys. Nick Collison fills in for the big men. Ex-Bull Thabo Sefolosha starts at shooting guard, but plays far fewer minutes than Harden. Former Lakers guard Derek Fisher has joined the mix for the last five games.
“It’s a big game. It’s going to be exciting,” Bulls center Joakim Noah said. “We want to play against the best. They’re a great team. We think we’re a great team. Let’s get it popping.”
The Thunder appears to be vulnerable in a couple of areas. Oklahoma City gives up more offensive rebounds than all but two teams in the league, and it’s a low-assist, high-turnover squad. As a team, the Thunder ranks last in assist-to-turnover ratio.
“Great players, you’ve just got to make them work for their points,” Thibodeau said. “They’re going to score. We have to make them play in a crowd, try to get our defense set. We’ve got to rebound the ball. We’ve got to challenge shots.
“For us, it’s the next game, but it’s a good test. You’re going to be tested in every way imaginable. You have to play 48 minutes against them. We have to come in with the right mindset.”
mmcgraw@dailyherald.com