Stephen A. Smith "Thunder is a Live Threat"

Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman on ESPN's First Take Both say the Thunder are a threat to go far in the playoffs.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is getting some attention as the NBA season is set to restart. Both Steven A. Smith and Max Kellerman of ESPN believe Oklahoma City could make a run in the playoffs. 

Kellerman and Smith are big fans of the Thunder starting lineup. Not only do they love the leadership that Chris Paul brings, but Kellerman also feels that four (Paul, Shai Gilegous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams) of Oklahoma City's starting five are all-start caliber. 

 Oklahoma City may lack a Russell Westbrook and Paul George, however, this roster is proving to be Billy Donovan's most cohesive unit. Their 25-13 record in clutch games says there's a confidence that hasn't been in the Peake maybe since the days of  Kevin Durant. 

Here's Smith's quote from ESPN's First Take on Thursday. 

"I think they're a live threat when you consider the fact that Houston is expected to have a profound impact on things playing small ball then look at the Oklahoma City Thunder."..."Look at the leadership, the unquestioned brilliant leadership of Chris Paul as your point guard."

"Look at Shai Gilgeous Alexander that was acquired in the trade from the Clippers; this guy is the team's leading scorer averaging 19.3 points per game."...."But there are also two other players in Danilo Gallinari and Dennis Schroder also averaging about 19 a game with Chris Paul averaging 17 and 7."

"And So When I look at it from that perspective they can hit perimeter shots, they can push the ball and score easy buckets on the fastbreak, they're definitely well controlled by the leadership of Chris Paul in terms of his floor generalship." ...."I say they can catch a team sleeping."

"Are they the best? "No."..."Could they easily get bounced out in the first round?"..."Of course, they could, but could they win a series?" and advance to the Conference Finals? Semi-Finals rather? I think they could, and I think they're live." 

"SNITCH AWAY!"@stephenasmith supports the NBA's anonymous hotline in the Orlando bubble. pic.twitter.com/eZ5t1zWRHk

— First Take (@FirstTake) July 15, 2020

Kellerman:

"There's Steven Adams who's been totally excellent and underrated for a number of years, just an excellent player one of the best big men in the game, because, by the way, defense counts."...Shai Gilgeous-Alexander his ascendance to star is like happening now."

"And Danilo Gallinari people forget but he had a reputation in Europe when he was drafted sort of like Luka [Doncic] does now."..."This team can actually do something and this is just the kind of season where when we talk about something funky happening OKC is that team."

Donovan says the Thunder still has some things to fine-tune, but, just a week into the bubble, all signs are pointing to a successful stay.  

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With more than 20 years of experience hosting local and national radio shows, Erik Gee is a fixture of Oklahoma sports media. He has covered the Oklahoma City Thunder for the past six seasons. He is also the co-host of the Pat Jones show on 97.1 The Sports Animal in Tulsa.