A Comprehensive Guide to the 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster

The 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder roster featured a formidable lineup that led the team to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Miami Heat. This season marked a significant chapter in the Thunder's history, solidifying their status as a championship contender in the Western Conference.

Key Players and Statistics

The Thunder's success was anchored by a core group of superstar players, including:

• Kevin Durant: Averaged 28.0 points (6th in the NBA), 8.0 rebounds (35th), and 3.5 assists per game
• Russell Westbrook: Contributed 23.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game
• James Harden: Added 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game

These three players formed a dynamic trio that wreaked havoc on opposing defenses.

Regular Season Performance

The Thunder finished the regular season with a 47-19 record, second only to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference. They boasted the league's sixth-best offensive rating (108.0) and the ninth-best defensive rating (99.2).

Regular Season Highlights:

• Led the league in points scored per game (108.2)
• Ranked first in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage (39.0%)
• Recorded the league's second-best home record (30-8)

Playoff Journey

The Thunder cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs, sweeping the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies. They faced a tougher challenge in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, but ultimately prevailed in six games.

Playoff Statistics:

• Averaged 109.5 points per game, second only to the Miami Heat in the playoffs
• Shot 39.6% from three-point range, the third-best mark in the postseason
• Westbrook recorded 20.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game

NBA Finals and Aftermath

The Thunder faced the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, but came up short in five games. Despite their defeat, they demonstrated their championship potential and set the foundation for future success.

Russell Westbrook's Breakout Season:

In the 2011-12 season, Westbrook emerged as a bonafide superstar. He took on a more prominent role in the offense, averaging more points, rebounds, and assists than ever before.

• Led the league in assists per game (7.4)
• Finished seventh in the NBA in steals per game (2.3)
• Improved his field goal percentage from 43.8% to 44.7%

Roster Breakdown

Starters:

1. Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
2. Shooting Guard: James Harden
3. Small Forward: Kevin Durant
4. Power Forward: Serge Ibaka
5. Center: Kendrick Perkins

Key Bench Players:

1. Sixth Man: Thabo Sefolosha
2. Backup Point Guard: Eric Maynor
3. Backup Shooting Guard: Daequan Cook
4. Backup Small Forward: Nick Collison
5. Backup Center: Nazr Mohammed

Player Transactions

The Thunder made several key roster moves during the 2011-12 season, including:

• Traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb
• Signed Thabo Sefolosha to a five-year contract
• Signed Eric Maynor to a two-year contract

Coaching Staff

The Thunder were led by head coach Scott Brooks. His innovative offensive system and defensive tenacity played a crucial role in the team's success.

Impact on the NBA

The 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder roster left a lasting impact on the NBA. Their dynamic trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden became one of the most feared in the league, and their success helped usher in a new era of small-ball basketball.

Conclusion

The 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder roster will be remembered as one of the most formidable in NBA history. Their championship aspirations ultimately fell short, but they laid the groundwork for future success and left an enduring legacy on the game of basketball.

Additional Resources

• Basketball-Reference: 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder
• NBA.com: 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster
• ESPN: The Rise and Fall of the Oklahoma City Thunder

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Thunder's record in the 2011-12 regular season?

The Thunder finished the regular season with a 47-19 record, second only to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference.

Who was the Thunder's leading scorer in the playoffs?

Kevin Durant led the Thunder in scoring during the playoffs, averaging 28.6 points per game.

What was the Thunder's biggest win of the season?

The Thunder's biggest win of the season came on March 20, 2012, when they defeated the Golden State Warriors by a score of 142-108.

Tables

Player Statistics

Team Statistics

Roster Transactions