Team chemistry not the issue for struggling Thunder, Carmelo Anthony says
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony (7) holds off New York Knicks forward Doug McDermott (20) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec.16, 2017, at Madison Square Garden in New York. AP/Bill Kostroun
With the likes of perennial All-Stars Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in one team, many thought that the Oklahoma City Thunder would win the Larry O’Brien trophy this season and rank at least in top 3 in the Western Conference Standings.
But through the first 30 games of the season, the team holds a meager 15-15 win-loss record and is currently eighth in the conference.
Pundits are quick to attribute their struggles to chemistry issues between their three superstars, but Anthony was quick to dismiss such claims.
“We’ve never had chemistry problems. We like, and enjoy, playing with one another. It’s never been a chemistry problem,” Anthony told ESPN’s Royce Young after the team’s loss to the New York Knicks over the weekend.
READ: Knicks shut down Anthony in 2nd half, beat Thunder sans Porzingis
“We’ve just got to figure out how to do so, but there’s never been chemistry problems with this group. We’ve embraced this since we came together that this was going to be a journey for us, and that’s where we’re at.”
The Thunder’s offense has certainly been inconsistent this year, with the trio often taking turns and relying on whoever has the hot hand.
Both George and Anthony are also used to having the ball in their hands for majority of possessions and the pair is still visibly adjusting to playing alongside perhaps the league’s most ball-dominant point guard.
Still, Anthony continues to embrace the change and remains optimistic with the team’s chances of moving forward.
“It is a different situation for me? Yes. Different dynamic for me? Yes,” he said.
“Something I have to accept. Something I’m working on every day as far as my role on this team, what we need from me in order for this team to be successful. But this is, for me and the team, it’s about big picture for us.” Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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