Thunder much improved since losing Finals

Thunder much improved since losing Finals

Published Dec. 23, 2012 2:34 p.m. ET

OKLAHOMA CITY — They lost in the NBA Finals, and it really wasn't close.

Then the Thunder traded away it's most-popular player, turned Olympian, James Harden.

Then how bout a 1-2 start to the season?

So, what's the state of this team as they get ready to face Miami for the first time since that 4-1 beating in the Finals a season ago?

We're about to find out, but all signs point to Oklahoma City being better.

Yes, better.

This team is 20-5 with the best record in the Western
Conference, the best offense in basketball and two of the best players in the
game. Not to mention the fact that new acquisition Kevin Martin has been
successfully integrated into the offense. That's a lot to digest just months after getting rolled by the Heat last June.

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