Thunder turns into winning road warriors

Oklahoma City’s Thunder basketball team is turning into true, tried and tested road warriors.

No other team in the NBA has a better record when playing in hostile arenas. On Tuesday, Oklahoma City used a 33-point performance from star Kevin Durant to post its second win in a row. It also was the Thunder’s third consecutive game of a five-game road trip. So far, the team is 2-1 on this trip with wins over Portland (111- 107 in overtime) and 119-116 against the Golden State Warriors.

But it was the Thunder who proved to be the real warriors with two solid road victories following a disappointing performance at San Antonio.

Just check out the facts. Oklahoma City is 11-4 on the road, which is better than the LA Lakers, 76ers, Chicago Bulls or the Miami Heat. In addition, two of those losses have occurred in Texas (Dallas and San Antonio). The only road loss head coach Scott Brooks and team would like to have back was the 105-102 loss to hapless Washington.

So, what’s the reason for the success away from the friendly confines of Chesapeake Arena? It’s simple. The Thunder plays like a team regardless of the venue. Players have matured over the last two years and they’re confident about winning anywhere they go.

While they’re good on the road, the Thunder is dynamite at home. The team is 9-1, which equates to a .900 winning percentage in Oklahoma City. So really, it doesn’t matter where the team plays. Just suit up, begin play and watch the sixthyoungest team in the league turn it on.

Overall, the Thunder is 20-5 with a fivegame lead over Denver in the Northwest Division.

The Thunder, in all likelihood, will improve its road and overall records when they play at Sacramento tonight and travel to Utah Friday. Oklahoma City returns home on Valentine’s Night for a repeat performance against the Jazz.

After another road game at Houston Feb. 15, the Thunder comes home for five games, but it won’t be easy. Two of the games include the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Still, Oklahoma City has proven it can play with any team anywhere this season. Coming home for five games will be a welcome treat. As good as the Thunder has been on the road, it must be scary for opposing teams to travel to Oklahoma City where the home-court advantage has been a decisive factor so far this season.

Forward Nick Collison has played a key role in the Thunder’s success this season with tough rebounding, aggressive defense and timely offense. (Photo by Hugh Scott, Jr.)