5 Reasons Oklahoma City Thunder Will Win Western Conference Title

5 Reasons Oklahoma City Thunder Will Win the West

The Oklahoma City Thunder's title run just got a bit tougher. They lost their star point guard in Russell Westbrook and will be depending on Kevin Durant to supply most of the offense.

As good as Durant is, the loss of Westbrook weighs heavily on the Durantula.

Although the injury wasn't as gruesome as the Kevin Ware injury for Louisville in the NCAA Tournament, it could have virtually the same effect that injury had. It could help motivate the Thunder into winning the title for their beloved and talented point guard.

Durant has been showcasing his offensive skill set lately with nearly 40 points in each of the games that Westbrook has missed in the first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets.

The Thunder were the best team in the Western Conference in the regular season and finished with the second-best record in the entire NBA, only trailing the Miami Heat.

The former Western Conference champs are ahead 3-1 in their series with the Rockets with an important Game 5 looming.

Durant has some pieces around him that could help them achieve yet another Western Conference title and remain one of the NBA's elite. They are hoping to get revenge on the Miami Heat after they were taken care of easily in the 2012 NBA Finals.

Right about now, the Thunder are probably missing former teammate and current opponent, James Harden.

With or without the bearded man, here are five reasons the Thunder will win the West once again.

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Great Defense

Leading the series against the Rockets 3-1, all the Thunder defense has to do is play just well enough to win the final game. It won't be easy, however, as the Rockets will be playing with nothing to lose, but the Thunder defense ranked ninth in the league in points per game. Watch out, Rockets, Serge Ibaka is coming for you.

Kevin Durant

You know he's good when he is his own reason why the Thunder will win the West. Kevin Durant is easily one of the top-three players in the NBA and without Westbrook by his side, he is about to get more shots. He has already put up 33 points per game in the opening series and will be relied upon heavily to help the Thunder get back to the title game.

One of League's Best Offenses

When you think about the Thunder, you think of explosive offense. Even without Russell Westbrook, the team's second-leading scorer, this team can score major points. They scored 103 in their loss to the Rockets last time out. Not too shabby.

Rebounding is Key

With four active players that average five or more rebounds in the playoffs thus far, the Thunder are in good shape to outrebound most teams. They were sixth in the league in rebounding in the regular season and are averaging nearly the same amount in the playoffs.

They Will Win for Russell Westbrook

Not quite the same injury as Kevin Ware for Louisville in the NCAA Tournament, but Westbrook's injury means more to his team. He has been a team player since joining the Thunder and with him, they could be easy favorites. Don't be surprised if the Thunder win this one for their teammate.