We have the first matchup in the Western Conference semifinals. The Oklahoma City Thunder will battle the Denver Nuggets. This series has a couple of interesting storylines. First, we have the return of Russell Westbrook to battle his first team. Russell Westbrook is one of the greatest players, if not the greatest in Oklahoma City’s history. Westbrook helped guide them to their lone NBA Finals and also won league MVP in the 2016-2017 season. Speaking of MVPs, the second storyline revolves around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are expected to finish one and two in the MVP race. Last year, Jokic took home league MVP a year ago over Gilgeous-Alexander, which was his third in four years. These teams split four games against each other this past season. Who will advance to the Western Conference Finals?
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City was the best team in the league the entire season. The team is built for a championship run. The only knock on them is the lack of veterans with playoff experience. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rightly attracts attention, but the entire team is impressive. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein man the middle for the Thunder. Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, and Jaylin Williams are great two-way players. Oklahoma City fell to the Dallas Mavericks last season in the Western Conference Semifinals. Being one of the league’s younger teams could be an advantage. The Thunder will have a lot riding on how far they advance in the playoffs. If they get past the Nuggets, they will be the favorites in the Western Conference Finals. If they lose, they might trade young players for a veteran star. Can the Thunder take down the veteran Denver Nuggets team?
Denver Nuggets
Everything begins with Nikola Jokic. Jokic can score, pass, and rebound so he affects all aspects of the game. Jamal Murray is one of the better scorers when it comes to the playoffs. Christian Braun has really stepped up for the Nuggets on both ends of the floor. Aaron Gordon is another reason this Nuggets team advanced in the first round. Gordon is an underrated defender, plus he is hitting the three and his game winning dunk was crazy. Denver will have their hands full with the Thunder seeing they’re one of the deepest teams in the league. The Nuggets are also coming off a grueling seven game series. Oklahoma City haven’t played a game in a week and half when they tip off. Denver won their lone NBA championship two years ago; can they take a step closer to get back to the NBA Finals?
Who Advances to the Western Conference Finals?
Denver has been an established team for the past few seasons. They won the NBA championship a couple of seasons ago. Nikola Jokic is still one of the toughest players to guard in the league. The Nuggets also have length to give everyone issues on the defensive side of the ball. The injured shoulder of Michael Porter Jr. will be something to keep an eye on in the series. Oklahoma City will have about a week and a half of rest before tip-off. The outcome is uncertain, and the team’s age does not significantly impact it. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will score, but who else will contribute? The Thunder have several players to guard Jokic, but can they stop him? The series could last seven games, and I’m betting on the young players. Oklahoma City Win and Advance 4-3
What do you think about this series? Who do you want to win the series? Who do you have winning this series? Will it go seven games like the Nuggets and Clippers? Leave some feedback below about this Western Conference semifinals matchup?
