National Basketball Association

Thunder learning talent only goes so far

Published Dec. 28, 2014 11:23 p.m. ET

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Extreme skill does not always translate to team success.

But that's what the Thunder are constantly dealing with, sometimes pulling against and often times overcoming.

When you have two of the best players in the NBA – two of the best players in the world – in Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant there's no premium passing. And really, who can blame them?

You want the ball out of Durant's hands? You really want Westbrook passing when it counts most? OK, fair enough, but the downfall of the Thunder in the past isn't Durant and hasn't been Westbrook. It's been the inability of the team to find a consistent, third offensive threat, so without reliability, Westbrook and Durant have done more than their share. Rightfully so.

So now, think about this season. Think about the injuries and think about the situation Westbrook was in Sunday night in Dallas.

In a close game, when the Thunder needed baskets, Westbrook took on the same role he's played for so long now. He didn't count on others, he took the game upon himself and Serge Ibaka went absent. Reggie Jackson, a dependable solider, played the part of Westbrook. He didn't want to pass either, and a 3-point shooter, having a good game like Anthony Morrow was, became forgotten.

The extreme skill sets of Westbrook and Jackson are undeniable. Westbrook had nine rebounds, nine assists, 18 points. Jackson had 21 points on 10-of-17 shooting.

But the fact the two looked like they were starring in an episode of "Hoarders" was also undeniable.

Regularly the formula works. Just look at the Thunder's postseason success. It's notable. Western Conference Finals twice in the past three seasons. A A Finals appearance against the Miami Heat.

But when it doesn't, like Sunday and like against Portland a week ago, the result is damning.

Without Durant and Westbrook the Thunder have to involve others. With them, you can get away with about anything, but why Ibaka and Morrow were underused is something worth exploiring.

Morrow was four-of-six shooting for nine points. He made a 20-foot jumper with 6:18 to play on an assist from Jackson. Morrow didn't have another shot until a desperation follow-shot with 12 seconds left.

Ibaka was even better. He was 11-of-14 for 26 points and made three-of-four 3-pointers. But in the fourth quarter, Ibaka had one basket on one shot â a Westbrook assist with 5:45 left.

The Thunder didn't have a single team assist in the final four minutes and none from Westbrook or Jackson in the final 5:45.

More?

In the last 4 minutes, Westbrook had two misses, two turnovers and two fouls which resulted in four made free throws from Dirk Nowitzki. Westbrook finished 6-of-23 from the field. He also had five turnovers.

Jackson wasn't much better. He made a desperation 3-pointer but also had a miss and a turnover before a basket with 4 seconds left and the Thunder trailing by five. Jackson had six turnovers in 35 minutes.

The Thunder were good enough to stay close. Again.

They weren't good enough to win as a team, though.

Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter: @andrewgilmanOK

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