NBA 2018-19: Western Conference Power Rankings Week 9

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder

Paul George

The Thunder had a minor hiccup as they went 2-2 this week. Losses to the Nuggets and Pelicans were sandwiched by wins against the Jazz and the Clippers. Despite some wobbling, OKC remains 1st in Defensive Rating and continue to get excellent performances from Paul George.

PG13 is having a career year and probably deserves some MVP consideration, with career highs across the board. Russell Westbrook is helping the cause by averaging a triple-double again and the acquisition of Dennis Schroder looks better each passing day.

The worry for OKC is their outside shooting and it starts with Russ himself. Westbrook is shooting 24.8% from beyond the arc and it isn't stopping him from jacking up a lot of them. OKC as a team ranks 29th in the league in 3 Point % and that's probably going to be their downfall.

Kyle Korver would have definitely helped the cause, but they weren't able to get him. I'd look for OKC to get some shooters on board in the coming months. Next up for OKC are the Bulls, Kings, and Jazz.