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The Oklahoma City Thunder came one game away from making the NBA Finals this postseason, and that is something they should be proud of. They shouldn’t be as happy with losing a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals, but that is in the past now. The Thunder can still hang their hat on a lot of things that happened during the 2015-16 season, and these were the especially positive developments.
5. Chemistry Improved
Getty ImagesDion Waiters found new comfort in Oklahoma City this year, and he wants to be on board next season as well. The team also developed some nice chemistry within its rotation of big men. Serge Ibaka, in particular, was lethal with his three-point shot.
4. The Team Proved Something To Kevin Durant
Getty ImagesKevin Durant will be a free agent in less than a month, and he must think hard about how his team came one win from the NBA Finals. It would be difficult to justify leaving after a year like that.
3. Billy Donovan Got Through To His Players
Getty ImagesThe Thunder ultimately reverted back to some bad habits during crunch time, but they also played fantastic basketball to reach that point. Head coach Billy Donovan deserves a lot of credit for getting through to Russell Westbrook.
2. Steven Adams Was A Revelation
Getty ImagesSteven Adams earned himself some money this postseason. He won't be a free agent until 2017, but he was a key reason why the Thunder were able to advance so far. He averaged 10.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
1. Russell Westbrook Evolved
Getty ImagesWestbrook really evolved as a PG this year, and he should get lots of praise for that. He focused more on distributing the ball than in previous postseasons, but he needs to figure out how to keep doing that in pressure situations.
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