2012 OKC: Severely underrated?

[TheCorporation]

The 2012 triple MVP, KD led OKC Thunder have been criminally underrated on this board so I'm doing my due diligence to shore up any perceived flaws.

First off, let me say that this team is one of the only teams in NBA history that showcased three MVPs before their decline. I'm not talking about when they're in year 19 like Karl Malone with the Lakers.

Let's also see who they beat in the playoffs and what each team's record was coming into the Finals.

The Miami Heat were 12-6 entering the NBA Finals
The OKC Thunder were 12-3 entering the NBA Finals

A lot of people forget that part. The Thunder were rolling in the playoffs.

Also, don't forget the Thunder did the following during their Finals run

4-0 defending Champ Dirk Mavs
4-1 Legendary Kobe
4-2 Duncan and company
12-3 heading into the Finals

[warriorfan]

Not really. KD and Westbrook were 23 years old, Harden was 22, for frame of reference when LeBron was 25 he was still choking on Jason Terry’s dick.

[TheCorporation]

Not really. KD and Westbrook were 23 years old, Harden was 22, for frame of reference when LeBron was 25 he was still choking on Jason Terry’s dick.


12-3 against three tough teams and three future MVPs and OKC had home court advantage?

Come on man, put some hate aside.

[plowking]

I honestly think they were more talented than the Heat team.

I was glad when they disbanded, because I think at the time, being that young, a lot of those guys didn't realise what they had. But obviously, being that young, you want to make a name for yourself.

[TheCorporation]

I honestly think they were more talented than the Heat team.

I was glad when they disbanded, because I think at the time, being that young, a lot of those guys didn't realise what they had. But obviously, being that young, you want to make a name for yourself.

Absolutely agree. The Heat were very top heavy but KD, Russ, Harden, Ibaka, are you kidding me?

12-3

Swept Dirk Mavs
4-1 GoatBe
4-2 Duncan Spurs

Yikes :eek:

[JBSptfn]

The 2010's Thunder: One of the biggest "what if" dynasties ever, along with the 60's Cincy Royals, late-70's Blazers, 80's Rockets, and 90's Magic.

[LostCause]

They were extremely talented but also very young, as mentioned they didn't really know what they had. Westbrook wasn't then who he became now, same for Harden

The team was also wasn't as good as the sum of it's parts, which is partly due to coaching but mostly due to the fact all 3 players shined brightest as focal points, especially Harden. His impact is basically neutered taking the ball out of his hands

[superduper]

They were actually extremely over rated.

When was the last time inexperienced kids won anything? They were never seriously expected to win.

[TheCorporation]

They were actually extremely over rated.

When was the last time inexperienced kids won anything? They were never seriously expected to win.

This guy :lol

12-3

4-0 swept Dirk Mavs
4-1 GoatBe
4-2 Duncan Spurs

Yikes

[Overdrive]

They were the 90s Magic.

[Milbuck]

They were outstanding. Though I think 2016 OKC will be the more underrated team historically. Their peak level in the playoffs was one of the scariest non-title teams I've ever seen. From losing game 1 of the Spurs series in the semis to finishing them in 6 then going up 3-1 on the Warriors in the WCF, that 9 game playoff stretch was just unreal. They were smacking the shit out of two 10+ SRS teams. Just a horrendous choke though after 3-1.

[Manny98]

On paper they're the most talented team of all time it's a shame that they ran into the GOAT in his prime otherwise they would have won every year :(

[SouBeachTalents]

They only get underrated, unsurprisingly, because LeBron beat them. Yes, they were an extremely young team, and obviously the stars hadn't reached their peak level of play, but that was a legitimate team, especially in the playoffs. Swept the defending champs, knocked off the Lakers in 5, then won 4 straight over a Spurs team that had won over 20 games in a row. Even in the Finals, after going up 1-0 they lost 3 extremely competitive games in a row, in a series they really could've won

[TheCorporation]

On paper they're the most talented team of all time it's a shame that they ran into the GOAT in his prime otherwise they would have won every year :(

Can you imagine anyone else stopping this young, thicc freight train?

Kevin Durant
Russell Westbrook
James Harden
Serge Ibaka

I mean :eek:

Sounds just a little tougher than Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter, if you ask me

[TheCorporation]

They only get underrated, unsurprisingly, because LeBron beat them. Yes, they were an extremely young team, and obviously the stars hadn't reached their peak level of play, but that was a legitimate team, especially in the playoffs. Swept the defending champs, knocked off the Lakers in 5, then won 4 straight over a Spurs team that had won over 20 games in a row. Even in the Finals, after going up 1-0 they lost 3 extremely competitive games in a row, in a series they really could've won

As always, SouthBeachTalents with quality posts :applause:

Completely agree. That squad might have even stayed together if they won in 2012. Could you imagine if LBJ and Wade didn't take down this three headed monster? I bet if they win they keep Harden and completely terrorize the league for years to come.

[TheCorporation]

They were the 90s Magic.

No


They were outstanding. Though I think 2016 OKC will be the more underrated team historically. Their peak level in the playoffs was one of the scariest non-title teams I've ever seen. From losing game 1 of the Spurs series in the semis to finishing them in 6 then going up 3-1 on the Warriors in the WCF, that 9 game playoff stretch was just unreal. They were smacking the shit out of two 10+ SRS teams. Just a horrendous choke though after 3-1.

That's right, the Spurs were rolling at that time, too! Great post. :cheers:

And yes, the 2016 choke was pretty bad.

[DMAVS41]

The 13 Thunder are the team that is severely underrated.

They were better on both sides of the ball than in 12...and would have been favorites for the title, imo, had Russ not gotten hurt.

[And1AllDay]

The 13 Thunder are the team that is severely underrated.

They were better on both sides of the ball than in 12...and would have been favorites for the title, imo, had Russ not gotten hurt.

Damn what coulda been

[tpols]

They had the worst team assist rank in the entire league.

That's why the mavs and spurs took them to the cleaners in the other years.

(And old Kobe two years prior)



They lacked teamwork big time. Prime example. which is why they got rid of harden and kept ibaka opting for fit over talent and their rank improved.

2016 playoff thunder were their strongest squad.

[warriorfan]

How many teams have ever won a Finals with a 23 year old being their best player?


End of thread.

[G0ATbe]

LeBron single handedly broke up what couldve been the greatest trio of all time:applause: 3 MVP calibre players on one team . I mean, would Harden still have left if they won it all that year?

[SouBeachTalents]

They had the worst team assist rank in the entire league.

That's why the mavs and spurs took them to the cleaners in the other years.

(And old Kobe two years prior)



They lacked teamwork big time. Prime example. which is why they got rid of harden and kept ibaka opting for over talent and their rank improved.

2016 playoff thunder were their strongest squad.
Lol, taken to the cleaners? They literally came within one play of taking the 2010 Lakers & 2014 Spurs to a 7th game, and even in the Mavs series they lost 3 close games to end the series, losing huge leads in the last couple games

[warriorfan]

LeBron single handedly broke up what couldve been the greatest trio of all time:applause: 3 MVP calibre players on one team . I mean, would Harden still have left if they won it all that year?

Even with all the talent in the world, both KD and Russ are cancerous, with their cancer combined there is no chance at building a dynasty.

[Overdrive]

No


Elaborate.

[TheCorporation]

LeBron single handedly broke up what couldve been the greatest trio of all time:applause: 3 MVP calibre players on one team . I mean, would Harden still have left if they won it all that year?

Precisely.

If GOAT James ane Wade don't destroy them in 2012, the trio stays together and who knows what kind of damage they do :eek: