Two years ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder were the upstarts who gave the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers a serious run for their money in a first-round series that lasted six tough games. The Lakers emerged primarily on the strength of their veteran core and extensive postseason experience, while the Thunder went through growing pains that all young teams have. This time, the Thunder – two years wiser and perhaps still not at their ceiling – are the favorites, while
Critics of the Oklahoma City Thunder often point to their occasional bouts with immaturity and lack of big-game experience. They can’t do that anymore. In perhaps the best signing of the release/buyout season, the Thunder on Wednesday signed veteran guard Derek Fisher, who was in uniform and scored five points in 19 minutes last night as is new team, the Thunder, defeated the fading Clippers by 23 points. Fisher has won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, who reluctantly traded him
