Stiles Points: Young OKC Thunder Team Has to Block Out Outside Noise

As the outside noise grows louder, and doubts pile up on the OKC Thunder, this young social media crazed team has to continue to block out the noise.

Apr 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Even after grabbing the No. 1 Seed in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) are still being doubted heading into their first NBA Playoff run as a young core. Despite having the best record out West, second best only to the Boston Celtics, and a top-five offense and defense throughout the year, many still have questions surrounding the youngest top seed of all time.

These questions come even without knowing the Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round matchup as the leader in the clubhouse awaits the NBA Play-In tournament to wrap up.

Countless NBA podcasters and general media talking heads have spouted things like "The Thunder are the worst No. 1 seed in a very long time," which of course creates a stir among social media.

However, you don't let your dog groomer tell you how to vote, why would the opinions of those that have watched less than five Thunder games this season resonate with anyone?

This young Thunder team, who are admittedly chronically online, have to continue to block out the outside noise as they have throughout this season.

Chet Holmgren on seeing the negativity on Twitter/social media and how he deals with it: pic.twitter.com/acEgcbEi9r

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) March 8, 2024

That was a lesson the OKC Thunder youngsters of yesteryear had to learn as well, though Kevin Durant confessed it was easier to ignore the outside world back then than it is now.

“I mean, we never really listened to the noise, it wasn’t as easy to hear what fans and media was saying back then. It is easier to hear all that [Expletive] now, so we didn’t even really think about if we was ready. Just went out there and played, played with intensity, I think that makes up for a lot of stuff. That’s what [This Thunder team] does. They play with energy, force and intensity for 48 minutes. Even with a lack of experience that can help you in many different areas just playing hard. I think that is what we did back in the day too," Durant said.

Part of the learning experience for this young OKC Thunder team will be dealing with expectations, both good and bad, and luckily for them, this core has had a lot of practice being underestimated.

Stiles Points

• The NBA released the first-round schedule for every matchup overnight on Wednesday, with the OKC Thunder grabbing the 8:30 PM CT slot on Sunday night for game 1 of their return to the NBA Playoffs.
• The Los Angeles Lakers knocked off the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday to advance to play the Denver Nuggets in the first round, while the Thunder avoid the Purple and Gold.
• Oklahoma City recalled Lindy Waters III and Ousmane Dieng from the OKC Blue on Tuesday after the duo delivered the G League affiliate their first-ever championship Monday in Maine. As a reminder, Olivier Sarr, Keyontae Johnson and Adam Flagler are not NBA Postseason eligible as they are currently on two-way pacts. Sarr also suffered an injury in the Blue's game 3 win, the severity not yet known.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a headline feature on the NBA's playoff promotional material with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also making cameos in this season's playoff commercials.

Song of the Day: Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie.

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