Heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, there were expectations it would take time for the Oklahoma City Thunder after teaming up Carmelo Anthony and Paul George with Russell Westbrook. Through 32 games, the Thunder have been inconsistent, but are currently 9-3 in December.
After Westbrook's game-winning three-pointer against the Atlanta Hawks, Anthony believes he has finally figured out his role according to Fred Katz of Norman Transcript:
Melo on playing more off the ball: “It’s just a matter of accepting that role. That’s all it is…I said something in New York about everyone needs to figure out what their roles need to be on the team. I think I figured out what my role would be.” pic.twitter.com/gHVO5G8v8j
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 23, 2017
In 31 appearances, Anthony is averaging 17.5 points (40.4/35.7/75.5) and 6.2 rebounds in 33.1 minutes. With the 15-year forward accepting playing more off the ball, it is the role many anticipated when he originally was traded to the Thunder for Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott from the New York Knicks.
After facing the Utah Jazz on the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder will face the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. While the Rockets have lost two straight games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, they are one of the best teams in the league.
With the Thunder winning games as of late, it will be a measuring stick game for them on Christmas Day. If Oklahoma City is able to keep improving month by month, the second half of the season will be an interesting one as all teams are looking to dethrone the Golden State Warriors.
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