Monday, as part of the NBA's Martin Luther King Day extravaganza, the Thunder played a game in Boston against the storied Celtics. The game was a symbolic changing of the guard with Boston's aging, accomplished roster squaring off against the up-and-coming talent wearing OKC jerseys.
With a 97-88 road victory for Oklahoma City, it was clear that the young legs of their core talent gave them advantage over the geezers playing for the Celtics during this condensed season. While the proven veterans spent the lockout drinking Kool-Aid and working to make the lockout last as long as possible, Thunder players came into camp in shape after figuring out ways to play basketball without NBA sponsorship. With a record of 12-2 (compared to Boston--who was expected to be a title contender--at 4-8) the upstarts are making a claim at league supremacy.
Of course, most outside observers want to give all the credit to the Thunder big three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, but that isn't really the case. Those guys are dominating, yes, but the role players coming off the bench are just as big of a factor. For instance, Oklahoma City's stars aren't carrying nearly the load as Boston's big three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen because they can relax on the bench without the team falling apart. So, not only do they have the advantage of youth and superior preparation, but they also have depth of talent on their side. Nick Collison, Daequan Cook, and Harden can slide into the line up without a noticeable drop off.