The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best team in the NBA this season. Before December, the Thunder had only one loss on their record, which occurred on the second night of a back-to-back against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was also a loss on the third game in four nights, which meant they had many players sitting out.
In December, the Thunder lost three games, two against the San Antonio Spurs, and one of them in the NBA Cup. The remaining loss came at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which was once again on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Williams believes they can resolve their problems with back-to-backs
Since the Thunder have three losses on the second night of a back-to-back, people are rightfully pointing out that it could be a problem for the team. The Thunder might be the best team in the league, but struggling on the second night of a back-to-back could be something the rest of the league will try to exploit.
It would be a much better situation if they hadn't lost against the Spurs again because the spotlight is now on three losses on back-to-backs. They have rarely lost, but now, other teams will see them as a vulnerable team when they play on the second leg of a back-to-back.
More: Thunder fall again to Spurs, putting all-time wins record in jeopardy
The Thunder have been winning enough that they were being hailed as the team that could break the Golden State Warriors' 73-9 all-time record. Unfortunately, that is looking bleak for the Thunder because teams are starting to figure them out. After the game, Jalen Williams addressed the potential issues they have with back-to-backs.
"Everybody in the league has to play back-to-backs, so I won't sit up here to complain about travel or something. I think for us it’s just going to be about getting the guys that have been out at inconsistent times just to gel more, defensively, offensively. Me, Chet, Zay, Lu, Shai; just haven't played minutes together," Williams said after the second loss to San Antonio.
The Thunder are under a microscope because they are defending champions. As long as other teams smell a bit of weakness, they will pounce. It is up to head coach Mark Daigneault and his players to step up and prove they are the NBA's best team.
The back-to-backs will be a sticking point for some teams, so the Thunder have to be wary whenever they play them. It will be a challenge because other teams have seemingly found a weakness. However, the Thunder are the best team in the league for plenty of good reasons.
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