As the young Oklahoma City Thunder team is getting ready for the 2011-2012 season, fans can’t wait to see the Thunder schedule unfold. With the likes of Russell Westbrook and Kevind Durant, Oklahoma fans should definitely be excited. Right when the season starts they will get their first chance at revenge versus the team that eliminated them in the playoffs in 2011, the Los Angeles Lakers.
This team is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented teams in the NBA. In 2010-2011, only the third year in the franchise’s existence, they advanced to the conference finals before finally losing to the eventual NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. They would be definite contenders for the title in 2011-2012 if the NBA season is played, but due to a stalemate in contract negotiations between teams and players, that is less than definite.
NBA season games have already been canceled through November 14th. If an agreement between teams and players can be reached, the schedule will have an exciting match-up presenting itself early in the season when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on November 23rd. The Lakers dispatched them from the playoffs in the 2009-2010 season, before going on to win the championship. The teams have developed something of a rivalry, as they represent two perpetual contenders in the Western Conference. Also, Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant is thought to be taking the place of Lakers guard Kobe Bryant as the best player in the West. Thus, when the two teams play it is a face off between the old and new faces of the NBA.
On December 29th, fans should expect Thunder tickets to sell out quick because they will get the opportunity to avenge their playoff defeat from last year when they play the Dallas Mavericks at home. Last year, Dallas beat them with their depth and three-point shooting, as well as fantastic play from superstar forward Dirk Nowitski. With another year of maturity under their belts, however, it’s difficult to see how Dallas can match up with the dual threat of Kevin Durant and guard Russell Westbrook.
On March 1st, they will travel to Orlando to take on the Orlando Magic. This will surely be a game that’s circled on the Magic schedule, as Dwight Howard and company will be anxious to see how they stack up against Kevin Durant and the Thunder. Howard is one of the strongest under-the-basket presences in the league, and his bruising style contrasts with the finesse play. This game may be important to both teams in determining playoff position.
On March 25th, Fans should buy their Thunder tickets early because the Miami Heat travel to Oklahoma City. The Heat were runners-up for the NBA Championship last year, and should contend again this year due to their big three players: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. If they are looking for a test to see if they are playoff ready, you couldn’t ask for a better one than the Heat. Beating Miami right before the playoffs would be a great confidence booster for a young Oklahoma City team.
The Thunder schedule is packed with exciting games and should provide fans with an entertaining season as they watch Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cement themselves as the most dangerous tandem in basketball. Of course, this is all dependent on the end of the NBA lockout. Hopefully an agreement can be reached, and we’ll have a late start to basketball this season instead of none at all!
Must See Games
November 1 vs Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles
This first game of the season will be a great battle between two of the best players in the league today, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.
November 23 vs Los Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma
Three weeks into the season and the two teams meet again but this time in Oklahoma. The crowd will be drenched in blue again and be sure to hear the raucous crowd cheer their home team on.
December 14 vs Orlando @ Oklahoma
They will then face one of the most dangerous teams in the East. The game will feature an incredible match-up of Serge Ibaka and Dwight Howard, two of the most prolific centers in the league today.
December 29 vs Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma
Dirk Nowitzi and the defending champs then visit Oklahoma two days before 2012 rings in. The game will feature the two best scorers in the league with Dirk and Kevin.
January 13 vs New York Knicks @ Oklahoma
As one of the most star studded games of the year, the game will have Amar’e, Carmelo and the rest of the Team. One of the very few games that you simply cannot miss.
February 22 vs Boston Celtics @ Oklahoma
Oklahoma will definitely be playing one of the best teams in East in the Boston Celtics and if there were any predictions of the 2012 NBA finals, this might be a possible match-up.
March 25 vs Miami Heat @ Oklahoma
This is surely the game most fans are looking forward to as they will be able to all the stars under one roof. Dwayne Wade, Kevind Durant, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and the rest of the players will take center stage in Oklahoma.
April 1 vs Chicago Bulls @ Oklahoma
On April fools day the Thunder will take on the best point guard in the league, Derrick Rose. The 2011 MVP vs Kevin Durant will be live on ABC.
April 8 vs Los Angeles Laker @ Oklahoma
As the Lakers make their final visit to Oklahoma, the two best teams in the West will battle one more time before the Playoffs begin.
There are so many “must see” games and season ticket holders will definitely enjoy this 2011-2012 season. Though there are plenty games to see, here is a game that you can skip.
March 9 vs Cleveland @ Oklahoma
As the worst team in the league, this can definitely be a game to miss. Though the team is starting to improve, it will take a while before the Cavs get anywhere in this league.
