Kevin Durant's Struggle

OKC is in trouble. The Thunder lost their second consecutive game in this second round series being the first time they have trailed a series since last years Finals. The Grizzlies came into OKC and stole game 2 from Durant and in Memphis they did the same thing. The game started off like they normally do with Memphis which is slow and defensive. Kevin Durant at one point had more points than the whole team combined showing how much he is trying to do just to keep the Thunder close with Memphis. I think after 7 games without Westbrook its easy to say that we need him and we need him badly. Kevin Durant has averaged over 30 points a game since Westbrook has been gone but other than him, Everyone is struggling without the all star point guard. Serge Ibaka is in a major slump missing at least 5 wide open shots that in the regular season he knocked down with ease. I think one of the issues with Ibaka is that he really fed off of Westbrook's drives to the hoop and dishing or missing the shot and Ibaka gets the tip in. Now what is happening is Durant is trying to Facilitate, Drive, and look for his open shots which one man just simply can not do all by himself. Ibaka needs Reggie Jackson in my opinion for him to get out of this slump. Reggie Jackson has done his part notching at least 10 points a game against Memphis but him playing a little Westbrook like would really benefit Ibaka. Perkins to me is doing what he should which is trying to contain the Grizzlies big time big men in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph (Z-BO). I like to compare OKC's situation to the 2007 or any Cleveland Cavaliers team prior to the Big 3 formation. Cleveland consisted of Lebron lighting it up and getting little support and got Cleveland to the NBA Finals in 2007 by himself so a lot of people are saying well Kevin Durant should be able to do that as well. Well my take on it is yes to me Durant should and did get past Houston and should squeeze this series out but even Cleveland had Antwan Jamison in the paint dishing and Mo Williams was pretty dynamic at times with his big time 3s, Kevin Durant is simply getting no help what so ever and I give no credit to Scott Brooks who to me is not doing a good job of adjusting to the Memphis line up and putting in a solid line up. To me they must release the Ronnie Brewer project. Brewer is a big time physical defender who could really rough up Randolph on doubles and help significantly on the boards where Ibaka is really struggling in. The Thunder trail the series 2-1 and someone needs to step up now or else this could in my opinion end in 5 or 6. Kevin Durant can't do it all yes Lebron and Kobe did it but they had some what of a supportable cast well OKC isn't getting that. Ibaka to me should be getting 20 and 10 either points and rebounds to make up for the loss of a man I miss.....Russell Westbrook. The Thunder are looking to get a big one and tie up the series in Game 4 in Memphis on Monday at 9:30 ET which is a definite must win. Like the website, Thunder players not named Kevin Durant need to GET REAL.

Follow Me for Thunder analysis and updates @DiBisportstalk

Its Been Real