2015–16 Oklahoma City Thunder season

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2015–16 Oklahoma City Thunder season
Division champions
Head coachBilly Donovan
General managerSam Presti
OwnersProfessional Basketball Club LLC
ArenaChesapeake Energy Arena
Results
Record55–27 (.671)
PlaceDivision: 1st (Northwest)
Conference: 3rd (Western)
Playoff finishWestern Conference Finals
(lost to Warriors 3–4)

Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionFox Sports Oklahoma
Radio
< 2014–15 2016–17 >

The 2015–16 Oklahoma City Thunder season was the 8th season of the franchise in Oklahoma City and the 50th in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the first under head coach Billy Donovan. After coming just short of making the playoffs the previous season, the Thunder won the Northwest Division and clinched the third seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, the Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games in the First Round, and the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the Semifinals (which was also Tim Duncan's final NBA game) before reaching the Western Conference finals for the fourth time in a span of six seasons, but were eliminated by the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors in seven games after leading the series 3–1.

After almost pulling what would've been one of the biggest upsets in professional sports history over the 73–9 Warriors, the Thunder missed out on what would’ve been their first Finals appearance since 2012. The Warriors would go on to lose in seven games against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals after they too led the series 3–1.

After the season, Kevin Durant controversially left the team in free agency for the Golden State Warriors.

Previous season[edit]

The Thunder finished the 2014–15 season 45–37 to finish in second place in the Northwest Division, ninth in the Western Conference and failed to qualify for the playoffs. This marks the second season that the Thunder failed to qualify for the playoffs since moving to Oklahoma City. Following the season, head coach Scott Brooks was fired on April 22, 2015.[1]

Offseason[edit]

Draft picks[edit]

Cameron Payne was selected 14th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College/Club team
1 14 Cameron Payne PG  United States Murray State
2 48 Dakari Johnson C  United States Kentucky

The Thunder had their own first-round pick and second-round pick entering the draft.[2] The Thunder ended 2015 NBA draft night with Murray State guard Cameron Payne and Kentucky center Dakari Johnson.[3]

Trades[edit]

On June 25, the Thunder traded Jeremy Lamb to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Luke Ridnour and a future 2016 second-round pick in an effort for payroll relief. Lamb was originally acquired in the James Harden trade back in 2012.[4][5] Five days later, Ridnour was traded again along with cash considerations to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for the draft rights to Tomislav Zubcic and a trade exception.[6]

On July 14, the Thunder traded Perry Jones, a 2019 second-round pick, and cash considerations to the Boston Celtics in exchange for a protected 2018 second-round pick and a trade exception in another effort for payroll relief.[7] By trading Jones' $2 million, the Thunder cleared $5 million in luxury tax payments.[8]

Free agency[edit]

Josh Huestis was signed to a rookie deal after being the first "domestic draft-and-stash."

For this offseason, free agency began on July 1, 2015, while the July moratorium ended on July 7. Enes Kanter and Kyle Singler were set to hit restricted free agency. On July 1, it was reported that Kyle Singler agreed to a five-year, nearly $25 million deal to stay with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 9.[9][10] On July 9, Enes Kanter signed a four-year, $70 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. However on July 12, the Thunder exercised its right of first refusal and matched the Trail Blazer's offer sheet to re-sign Kanter.[11]

On July 30, Josh Huestis signed a rookie deal with the Thunder. Huestis was originally selected 29th overall in the 2014 NBA draft but became the first "domestic draft-and-stash" after working out a predraft arrangement with the Thunder to not sign his guaranteed rookie-scale deal. Huestis spent the 2014-15 NBA season with the Oklahoma City Blue.[12][13]

Front office and coaching changes[edit]

After the Thunder failed to make the 2014 NBA Playoffs, head coach Scott Brooks was fired on April 22, 2015, after seven seasons with the team. Brooks was named head coach of the Thunder on April 15, 2009, taking over for P.J. Carlesimo after serving as interim head coach during the 2008–09 season. Brooks accumulated a 338-207 (.620) record, named the 2009–10 season NBA Coach of the Year, made three appearances in the Western Conference finals (2011, 2012, 2014) and an appearance in the 2012 NBA Finals.[14]

On April 30, the Thunder hired Billy Donovan, formerly with the Florida Gators, as head coach. Donovan became the third head coach of the Thunder since moving to Oklahoma City. Donovan led the Gators to two national championships, four trips to the Final Four, and accumulated a 467-186 (.715) record.[15]

On June 29, the Thunder announced Monty Williams, Maurice Cheeks, and Anthony Grant as assistant coaches and Billy Schmidt as quality control coach. Williams joins the Thunder after serving five seasons as the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans leading the Pelicans to a playoff appearance in the 2014–15 season. Cheeks re-joined the Thunder after serving as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons during the 2013–14 season. Grant joins the Thunder after serving six seasons as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Schmidt joins the Thunder after serving last season under Billy Donovan at the University of Florida.[16]

Roster[edit]

2015–16 Oklahoma City Thunder roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
C 12 Adams, Steven 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1993-07-20 New Zealand
PF 4 Collison, Nick 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1980-10-26 Kansas
SF 35 Durant, Kevin (C) 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1988-09-29 Texas
SG 6 Foye, Randy 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 213 lb (97 kg) 1983-09-24 Villanova
SF 34 Huestis, Josh 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1991-12-19 Stanford
PF 9 Ibaka, Serge 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1989-09-18 Spain
PF/C 11 Kanter, Enes 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 260 lb (118 kg) 1992-05-20 Turkey
C 33 McGary, Mitch 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1992-06-06 Michigan
C 13 Mohammed, Nazr 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 250 lb (113 kg) 1977-09-05 Kentucky
SG 2 Morrow, Anthony 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1985-09-27 Georgia Tech
PG 22 Payne, Cameron 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1994-08-08 Murray State
SG 21 Roberson, André 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1991-12-04 Colorado
SF 5 Singler, Kyle 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 228 lb (103 kg) 1988-05-04 Duke
SG 3 Waiters, Dion 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1991-12-10 Syracuse
PG 0 Westbrook, Russell (C) 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1988-11-12 UCLA
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • (DL) On assignment to D-League affiliate
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Last transaction: April 2, 2016

Roster notes[edit]

Salaries[edit]

Player Salary
Kevin Durant $20,158,622
Russell Westbrook $16,744,218
Enes Kanter $16,400,000
Serge Ibaka $12,350,000
Dion Waiters $5,138,430
Kyle Singler $5,000,000
Nick Collison $3,750,000
Anthony Morrow $3,344,000
Randy Foye $3,270,000
Steven Adams $2,279,040
Cameron Payne $2,021,520
Mitch McGary $1,463,040
Andre Roberson $1,210,800
Josh Huestis $1,140,240
Nazr Mohammed $352,750
Total $94,622,660

All 2015-16 salaries.[17]
Waived with guaranteed money

Staff[edit]

Oklahoma City Thunder staff
Front Office
 
Coaches

Staff

Standings[edit]

Game log[edit]

Preseason[edit]

2015 pre-season game log
Total: 5–1 (home: 4–0; road: 2–1)
Pre-season: 5–1 (home: 3–0; road: 2–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
1 October 7 @ Minnesota W 122–99 Serge Ibaka (18) Russell Westbrook (8) Russell Westbrook (13) Target Center
8,601
1–0
2 October 9 Fenerbahçe W 111–81 Dion Waiters (19) Steven Adams (8) Durant & Westbrook (5) Chesapeake Energy Arena
N/A
2–0
3 October 13 Dallas W 100–88 Russell Westbrook (19) Enes Kanter (11) D. J. Augustin (8) BOK Center
17,978
3–0
4 October 16 @ Memphis L 78–94 Anthony Morrow (16) Roberson & Adams (7) Cameron Payne (6) FedEx Forum
14,996
3–1
5 October 18 Denver W 111–98 Kevin Durant (23) Enes Kanter (11) Russell Westbrook (12) Chesapeake Energy Arena
N/A
4–1
6 October 20 @ Utah W 113–102 Kevin Durant (29) Adams & Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (10) Energy Solutions Arena
17,806
5–1
2015–16 pre-season schedule

Regular season[edit]

2015–16 game log
Total: 55–27 (home: 32–9; road: 23–18)
October: 2–0 (home: 1–0; road: 1–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
1 October 28 San Antonio W 112–106 Russell Westbrook (33) Enes Kanter (16) Russell Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–0
2 October 30 @ Orlando W 139–136 (2OT) Russell Westbrook (48) Durant & Ibaka (12) Russell Westbrook (8) Amway Center
18,846
2–0
November : 9–7 (home: 7–3; road: 2–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
3 November 1 Denver W 117–93 Kevin Durant (25) Enes Kanter (10) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
3–0
4 November 2 @ Houston L 105–110 Kevin Durant (29) Serge Ibaka (14) Russell Westbrook (11) Toyota Center
17,224
3–1
5 November 4 Toronto L 98–103 Kevin Durant (27) Durant & Adams (7) Russell Westbrook (16) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
3–2
6 November 5 @ Chicago L 98–104 Kevin Durant (33) Enes Kanter (8) Russell Westbrook (10) United Center
21,861
3–3
7 November 8 Phoenix W 124–103 Kevin Durant (32) Kevin Durant (11) Russell Westbrook (13) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
4–3
8 November 10 @Washington W 125–101 Dion Waiters (25) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (11) Verizon Center
20,356
5–3
9 November 13 Philadelphia W 102–85 Russell Westbrook (21) Russell Westbrook (17) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
6–3
10 November 15 Boston L 85–100 Russell Westbrook (27) Serge Ibaka (10) Russell Westbrook (5) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
6–4
11 November 16 @ Memphis L 114–122 Russell Westbrook (40) Serge Ibaka (9) Russell Westbrook (14) FedEx Forum
17,270
6–5
12 November 18 New Orleans W 110–103 Russell Westbrook (43) Enes Kanter (11) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
7–5
13 November 20 New York L 90–93 Russell Westbrook (34) Enes Kanter (13) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
7–6
14 November 22 Dallas W 117–114 Russell Westbrook (31) Serge Ibaka (9) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
8–6
15 November 23 @ Utah W 111–89 Kevin Durant (27) Russell Westbrook (7) Russell Westbrook (9) Vivint Smart Home Arena
19,911
9–6
16 November 25 Brooklyn W 110–99 Kevin Durant (30) Enes Kanter (9) Russell Westbrook (13) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
10–6
17 November 27 Detroit W 103–87 Kevin Durant (34) Durant & Adams (13) Kevin Durant (5) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
11–6
18 November 30 @ Atlanta L 100–106 Russell Westbrook (34) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (7) Philips Arena
17,768
11–7
December : 12–3 (home: 8–1; road: 4–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
19 December 3 @ Miami L 95–97 Durant & Westbrook (25) Durant & Roberson (9) Russell Westbrook (7) American Airlines Arena
19,600
11–8
20 December 6 Sacramento W 98–95 Kevin Durant (20) Steven Adams (12) Russell Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
12–8
21 December 8 @ Memphis W 125–88 Kevin Durant (32) Kevin Durant (10) Russell Westbrook (16) FedEx Forum
16,415
13–8
22 December 10 Atlanta W 107–94 Kevin Durant (25) Kevin Durant (12) Durant & Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
14–8
23 December 11 @ Utah W 94–90 Russell Westbrook (24) Durant & Ibaka (8) Russell Westbrook (7) Energy Solutions Arena
19,911
15–8
24 December 13 Utah W 104–98 (OT) Kevin Durant (31) Russell Westbrook (11) Kevin Durant (6) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
16–8
25 December 16 Portland W 106–90 Kevin Durant (24) Enes Kanter (13) Russell Westbrook (5) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
17–8
26 December 17 @ Cleveland L 100–104 Kevin Durant (27) Serge Ibaka (9) Russell Westbrook (10) Quicken Loans Arena
20,562
17–9
27 December 19 L.A. Lakers W 118–78 Kevin Durant (22) Enes Kanter (14) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
18–9
28 December 21 @ L.A. Clippers W 100–99 Russell Westbrook (33) Steven Adams (11) Durant, Westbrook (7) Staples Center
19,415
19–9
29 December 23 @ L.A. Lakers W 120–85 Russell Westbrook (23) Enes Kanter (10) Russell Westbrook (8) Staples Center
18,997
20–9
30 December 25 Chicago L 96–105 Kevin Durant (29) Enes Kanter (11) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
20–10
31 December 27 Denver W 122–112 Russell Westbrook (30) Russell Westbrook (9) Russell Westbrook (12) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
21–10
32 December 29 Milwaukee W 131–123 Russell Westbrook (27) Enes Kanter (8) Kevin Durant (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
22–10
33 December 31 Phoenix W 110–106 Russell Westbrook (36) Steven Adams (8) Russell Westbrook (12) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
23–10
January: 13–3 (home: 6–1; road: 7–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
34 January 2 @ Charlotte W 109–90 Kevin Durant (29) Kevin Durant (11) Russell Westbrook (7) Time Warner Cable Arena
19,387
24–10
35 January 4 Sacramento L 104–116 Serge Ibaka (25) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (15) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
24–11
36 January 6 Memphis W 112–94 Kevin Durant (26) Kevin Durant (17) Russell Westbrook (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
25–11
37 January 8 @ L.A. Lakers W 117–113 Russell Westbrook (36) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (7) Staples Center
18,997
26–11
38 January 10 @ Portland L 110–115 Kevin Durant (28) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (15) Moda Center
19,393
26–12
39 January 12 @ Minnesota W 101–96 Kevin Durant (30) Serge Ibaka (8) Russell Westbrook (11) Target Center
14,791
27–12
40 January 13 Dallas W 108–89 Kevin Durant (29) Serge Ibaka (11) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
28–12
41 January 15 Minnesota W 113–93 Kevin Durant (21) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
29–12
42 January 17 Miami W 99–74 Kevin Durant (24) Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (15) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
30–12
43 January 19 @ Denver W 110–104 Kevin Durant (30) Kevin Durant (12) Russell Westbrook (12) Pepsi Center
12,844
31–12
44 January 20 Charlotte W 109–95 Kevin Durant (26) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (15) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
32–12
45 January 22 @ Dallas W 109–106 Kevin Durant (24) Nick Collison (11) Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook (7) American Airlines Center
20,284
33–12
46 January 24 @ Brooklyn L 106–116 Kevin Durant (32) Russell Westbrook (11) Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook (7) Barclays Center
16,019
33–13
47 January 26 @ New York W 128–122 (OT) Kevin Durant (44) Serge Ibaka (17) Russell Westbrook (10) Madison Square Garden
19,812
34–13
48 January 27 @ Minnesota W 126–123 Kevin Durant (27) Enes Kanter (10) Russell Westbrook (15) Target Center
13,337
35–13
49 January 29 Houston W 116–108 Kevin Durant (33) Kevin Durant (12) Russell Westbrook (14) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
36–13
February : 6–5 (home: 3–3; road: 3–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
50 February 1 Washington W 114–98 Kevin Durant (28) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
37–13
51 February 3 Orlando W 117–114 Kevin Durant (37) Russell Westbrook (19) Russell Westbrook (14) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
38–13
52 February 6 @ Golden State L 108–116 Kevin Durant (40) Enes Kanter (15) Russell Westbrook (12) Oracle Arena
19,596
38–14
53 February 8 @ Phoenix W 122–106 Kevin Durant (32) Russell Westbrook (8) Russell Westbrook (8) Talking Stick Resort Arena
16,316
39–14
54 February 11 New Orleans W 121–95 Durant & Westbrook (23) Enes Kanter (12) Russell Westbrook (10) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
40–14
All-Star Break
55 February 19 Indiana L 98–101 Kevin Durant (31) Serge Ibaka (11) Russell Westbrook (18) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
40–15
56 February 21 Cleveland L 92–115 Kevin Durant (26) Adams & Westbrook (9) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
40–16
57 February 24 @ Dallas W 116–103 Durant & Westbrook (24) Enes Kanter (9) Russell Westbrook (13) American Airlines Center
19,805
41–16
58 February 25 @ New Orleans L 119–123 Russell Westbrook (44) Kevin Durant (14) Russell Westbrook (9) Smoothie King Center
16,974
41–17
59 February 27 Golden State L 118–121 (OT) Kevin Durant (37) Serge Ibaka (20) Russell Westbrook (13) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
41–18
60 February 29 @ Sacramento W 131–116 Kevin Durant (27) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (15) Sleep Train Arena
17,317
42–18
March : 11–5 (home: 6–1; road: 5–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
61 March 2 @ L.A. Clippers L 98–103 Kevin Durant (30) Durant & Ibaka (11) Russell Westbrook (12) Staples Center
19,304
42–19
62 March 3 @ Golden State L 106–121 Kevin Durant (32) André Roberson (11) Kevin Durant (9) Oracle Arena
19,596
42–20
63 March 6 @ Milwaukee W 104–96 Kevin Durant (32) Enes Kanter (12) Russell Westbrook (11) BMO Harris Bradley Center
16,565
43–20
64 March 9 L.A. Clippers W 120–108 Kevin Durant (30) Kevin Durant (12) Russell Westbrook (20) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
44–20
65 March 11 Minnesota L 96–99 Kevin Durant (28) Steven Adams (13) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
44–21
66 March 12 @ San Antonio L 85–93 Kevin Durant (28) Serge Ibaka (12) Kevin Durant (8) AT&T Center
18,418
44–22
67 March 14 Portland W 128–94 Enes Kanter (26) Russell Westbrook (10) Russell Westbrook (16) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
45–22
68 March 16 @ Boston W 130–109 Kevin Durant (28) Enes Kanter (12) Kevin Durant (9) TD Garden
18,624
46–22
69 March 18 @ Philadelphia W 111–97 Kevin Durant (26) Russell Westbrook (15) Russell Westbrook (10) Wells Fargo Center
20,388
47–22
70 March 19 @ Indiana W 115–111 Kevin Durant (33) Kevin Durant (12) Russell Westbrook (11) Bankers Life Fieldhouse
18,165
48–22
71 March 22 Houston W 111–107 Kevin Durant (23) Russell Westbrook (13) Russell Westbrook (15) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
49–22
72 March 24 Utah W 113–91 Kevin Durant (20) Kevin Durant (8) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
50–22
73 March 26 San Antonio W 111–92 Kevin Durant (31) Kevin Durant (10) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
51–22
74 March 28 @ Toronto W 119–100 Kevin Durant (34) Russell Westbrook (11) Russell Westbrook (12) Air Canada Centre
19,800
52–22
75 March 29 @ Detroit L 82–88 Russell Westbrook (24) Enes Kanter (14) Russell Westbrook (6) The Palace of Auburn Hills
18,201
52–23
76 March 31 L.A. Clippers W 119–117 Kevin Durant (31) Ibaka (9) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
53–23
April : 2–4 (home: 1–0; road: 1–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Record
77 April 3 @ Houston L 110–118 Kevin Durant (33) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (8) Toyota Center
18,462
53–24
78 April 5 @ Denver W 124–102 Kevin Durant (26) Russell Westbrook (14) Russell Westbrook (12) Pepsi Center
12,611
54–24
79 April 6 @ Portland L 115–120 Enes Kanter (33) Enes Kanter (20) Cameron Payne (6) Moda Center
19,399
54–25
80 April 9 @ Sacramento L 112–114 Kevin Durant (31) Ibaka & Adams (8) Russell Westbrook (10) Sleep Train Arena
17,317
54–26
81 April 11 L.A. Lakers W 112–79 Kevin Durant (34) Steven Adams (15) Russell Westbrook (14) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
55–26
82 April 12 @ San Antonio L 98–102 (OT) Adams, Waiters, Payne & Kanter (17) Enes Kanter (16) Cameron Payne (7) AT&T Center
18,765
55–27
2015–16 season schedule

Playoffs[edit]

2016 playoff game log
Total: 11–7 (home: 6–3; road: 5–4)
First Round: 4–1 (home: 2–1; road: 2–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Series
1 April 16 Dallas W 108–70 Russell Westbrook (24) Enes Kanter (11) Russell Westbrook (11) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–0
2 April 18 Dallas L 84–85 Kevin Durant (21) Russell Westbrook (14) Russell Westbrook (6) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–1
3 April 21 @ Dallas W 131–102 Kevin Durant (34) Enes Kanter (8) Russell Westbrook (15) American Airlines Center
20,150
2–1
4 April 23 @ Dallas W 119–108 Enes Kanter (28) Roberson, Adams (8) Russell Westbrook (15) American Airlines Center
20,516
3–1
5 April 25 Dallas W 118–104 Russell Westbrook (36) Russell Westbrook (12) Russell Westbrook (9) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
4–1
Conference Semifinals: 4–2 (home: 2–1; road: 2–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance
Series
1 April 30 @ San Antonio L 92–124 Serge Ibaka (19) Serge Ibaka (10) Russell Westbrook (9) AT&T Center
18,418
0–1
2 May 2 @ San Antonio W 98–97 Russell Westbrook (29) Steven Adams (17) Russell Westbrook (10) AT&T Center
18,418
1–1
3 May 6 San Antonio L 96–100 Russell Westbrook (31) Steven Adams (11) Russell Westbrook (8) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
1–2
4 May 8 San Antonio W 111–97 Kevin Durant (41) Steven Adams (10) Russell Westbrook (15) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
2–2
5 May 10 @ San Antonio W 95–91 Russell Westbrook (35) Enes Kanter (13) Russell Westbrook (9) AT&T Center
18,418
3–2
6 May 12 San Antonio W 113–99 Kevin Durant (37) Steven Adams (11) Russell Westbrook (12) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203
4–2
Conference Finals: 3–4 (home: 2–1; road: 1–3)
2016 playoff schedule

Player statistics[edit]

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season[edit]

Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Steven Adams 80 80 25.2 61.3% - 58.2% 6.7 0.8 0.5 1.1 8.0
D. J. Augustin 34 0 15.3 38.0% 39.3% 76.5% 1.3 1.9 0.4 0.1 4.2
Nick Collison 59 4 11.8 45.9% 0.0% 69.7% 2.9 0.9 0.3 0.3 2.1
Kevin Durant 72 72 35.8 50.5% 38.7% 89.8% 8.2 5.0 1.0 1.2 28.2
Randy Foye 27 1 21.2 34.9% 30.9% 81.5 1.9 1.8 0.5 0.5 5.6
Enes Kanter 82 1 21.0 57.6% 47.6% 79.7% 8.1 0.4 0.3 0.4 12.7
Josh Huestis 5 0 11.0 41.7% 66.7% 0.0% 2.0 0.0 0.2 0.4 2.8
Serge Ibaka 78 78 32.1 47.9% 32.6% 75.2% 6.8 0.8 0.5 1.9 12.6
Mitch McGary 20 0 3.6 47.8% 0.0% 40.0% 0.9 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.3
Nazr Mohammed 5 0 3.8 60.0% - 100% 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.6
Anthony Morrow 68 6 13.6 40.8% 38.7% 74.4% 0.9 0.4 0.3 0.1 5.6
Steve Novak 7 0 3.4 50.0% 55.6% - 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.4
Cameron Payne 57 1 12.2 41.0% 32.4% 79.2% 1.5 1.9 0.6 0.1 5.0
Andre Roberson 70 70 22.2 49.6% 31.1% 61.1% 3.6 0.7 0.8 0.6 4.8
Kyle Singler 68 2 14.4 38.9% 30.9% 65.9% 2.1 0.4 0.4 0.1 3.4
Dion Waiters 78 15 27.6 39.9% 35.8% 71.3% 2.6 2.0 1.0 0.2 9.8
Russell Westbrook 80 80 34.4 45.4% 29.6% 81.2% 7.8 10.4 2.0 0.3 23.5
  Led team in statistic

After all games.[18]
Waived during the season
Traded during the season
Acquired during the season

Playoffs[edit]

Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Steven Adams 18 18 30.7 61.3% 0.0% 63.0% 9.5 0.7 0.5 0.8 10.1
Nick Collison 9 0 8.8 66.7% - 50.0% 1.2 1.6 0.9 0.0 1.0
Kevin Durant 18 18 40.3 43.0% 28.2% 89.0% 7.1 3.3 1.0 1.0 28.4
Randy Foye 16 0 11.9 34.1% 30.8% 100% 1.3 0.8 0.1 0.2 2.5
Enes Kanter 18 0 17.9 55.1% 14.3% 84.4% 6.2 0.3 0.3 0.6 9.4
Josh Huestis 2 0 5.0 33.3% 50.0% - 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5
Serge Ibaka 18 18 33.4 52.1% 44.9% 75.0% 6.3 0.6 0.8 1.3 12.0
Nazr Mohammed 5 0 2.0 50.0% - - 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.4
Anthony Morrow 14 0 5.4 45.8% 35.7% 100% 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 2.6
Cameron Payne 10 0 6.4 26.9% 20.0% 50.0% 0.4 0.8 0.2 0.2 1.8
Andre Roberson 18 18 26.2 46.5% 32.4% 40.0% 5.6 0.8 1.3 1.1 5.6
Kyle Singler 6 0 8.5 33.3% 50.0% 0.0% 1.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 1.3
Dion Waiters 18 0 27.3 41.7% 37.5% 66.7% 2.6 2.3 0.6 0.2 8.4
Russell Westbrook 18 18 37.4 40.5% 32.4% 82.9% 6.9 11.0 2.6 0.1 26.0
  Led team in statistic

After all games.[19]

Individual game highs[edit]

Awards and records[edit]

Awards[edit]

Date Player Award
Player of the Week
November 30, 2015 Kevin Durant (1/5)[20] November 23–29 Player of the Week[a]
December 14, 2015 Kevin Durant (2/5)[21] December 7–13 Player of the Week[b]
December 28, 2015 Russell Westbrook (1/1)[22] December 21–27 Player of the Week[c]
January 18, 2016 Kevin Durant (3/5)[23] January 11–17 Player of the Week[d]
February 1, 2016 Kevin Durant (4/5)[24] January 25–31 Player of the Week[e]
March 21, 2016 Kevin Durant (5/5)[25] March 14–20 Player of the Week[f]
Player of the Month
January 4, 2016 Kevin Durant (1/2)
Russell Westbrook (1/2)[26]
December Players of the Month[g]
February 2, 2016 Kevin Durant (2/2)[27] February Player of the Month[h]
April 5, 2016 Russell Westbrook (2/2)[28] March Player of the Month[i]
Date Player Award
January 21, 2016 Kevin Durant[29] All-Star
January 21, 2016 Russell Westbrook[30] All-Star
May 26, 2016 Russell Westbrook[31] All-NBA First Team
May 26, 2016 Kevin Durant[32] All-NBA Second Team

Records[edit]

  • After a win against the Denver Nuggets on November 1, 2015, the Thunder won their first three games for the first time since the 2011-12 season.[33]
  • On December 3, 2015, the Thunder did not attempt a single three-pointer in the first quarter, the first time that happened this season.[34]
  • On December 27, 2015, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook became the first teammates since John Stockton and Karl Malone to record at least 25 points and 10 assists in a regulation game. Durant had 26 points and 10 assists while Westbrook had 30 points and 12 assists against the Denver Nuggets.[35]
  • On January 20, 2016, Westbrook became the fourth player to record at least 15 points, 15 assists, five rebounds and five steals in a game against the Charlotte Hornets.[36][37]
  • On February 3, 2016, Westbrook recorded a career high 19 rebounds, the most by a point guard since Jason Kidd in 2007.[38]
  • On February 3, 2016, Durant moved into 91st place on the NBA's all-time scoring list passing Latrell Sprewell with 16,744 points.[39]
  • On March 9, 2016, Westbrook recorded 25 points, a career high 20 assists and 11 rebounds becoming the first player since Magic Johnson to have a triple-double with at least 25 points, 20 assists, and 10 rebounds since 1988. It also was the first triple-double with at least 20 points and 20 assists since Rod Strickland in 1998.[40]
  • On March 18, 2016, Westbrook's 13th triple double of the season ties Grant Hill and Jason Kidd for most in a season over the last 25 years.[41]
  • On March 22, 2016, Westbrook had his sixth triple double in March, the most in a calendar month since Michael Jordan with seven in April 1989.[42]
  • On March 22, 2016, Durant moved into 81st place on the NBA's all-time scoring list passing Michael Finley with 17,326 points.[43]
  • On March 28, 2016, Durant moved into 79th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list passing Steve Nash with 17,387 points.[44]
  • On March 28, 2016, Durant and Westbrook extended their NBA single-season record for most games with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists by a pair of teammates to 22 times.[45]
  • On April 6, 2016, Enes Kanter recorded the first 30-point, 20-rebound game in Thunder history. Kanter finished with 33 points, 20 rebounds against the Portland Trail Blazers.[46]
  • On April 11, 2016, Westbrook recorded a triple-double before halftime since it began keeping track since the 2002-03 season. Westbrook finished the first half with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.[47]
  • On April 16, 2016, the Thunder's 108-70, 38 point win against the Dallas Mavericks was its largest victory margin in a playoff game since moving from Seattle as well as the lowest point total allowed in Seattle or Oklahoma City.[48]

Injuries[edit]

Player Duration Injury Games missed
Start End
Kevin Durant November 13, 2015 November 23, 2015 Left hamstring strain 6
Andre Roberson November 16, 2015 November 18, 2015 Illness 1
Anthony Morrow December 17, 2015 December 19, 2015 Personal reasons 1
Kevin Durant January 4, 2016 January 6, 2016 Right toe sprain 1
Steven Adams January 22, 2016 January 26, 2016 Right elbow sprain 2
Andre Roberson January 26, 2016 February 24, 2016 Right knee sprain 10
Cameron Payne January 29, 2016 February 1, 2016 Concussion 1
Dion Waiters March 9, 2016 March 16, 2016 Personal reasons 4
Kyle Singler March 22, 2016 March 26, 2016 Low back soreness 2

Transactions[edit]

Overview[edit]

Players Added

Via draft

Via free agency

Players Lost

Via trade

Trades[edit]

June 25, 2015[49] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Luke Ridnour
2016 second-round pick
To Charlotte Hornets
Jeremy Lamb
June 30, 2015[50] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Draft rights to Tomislav Zubcic
To Toronto Raptors
Luke Ridnour
Cash considerations
July 14, 2015[51] To Oklahoma City Thunder
2018 second-round pick
To Boston Celtics
Perry Jones
2019 second-round pick
Cash considerations
February 18, 2016[52] To Oklahoma City Thunder
Randy Foye
To Denver Nuggets
D. J. Augustin
Steve Novak
Two 2016 second-round picks
Cash considerations

Free agency[edit]

Re-signed[edit]

Date Player Contract
July 9, 2015 Kyle Singler[53] Multi-Year Contract
July 12, 2015 Enes Kanter[54] Multi-Year Contract

Additions[edit]

Date Player Contract Former team
July 30, 2015 Josh Huestis[55] Standard Oklahoma City Blue (D-League)
In-Season Additions
March 5, 2016 Nazr Mohammed[56] Standard Chicago Bulls

Subtractions[edit]

Date Player Reason left New team

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Oklahoma City Thunder Parts Ways With Scott Brooks as Head Coach". NBA.com. April 22, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  2. ^ "2015 NBA Draft". nba.com.
  3. ^ "Thunder Draft Night 2015". nba.com. June 25, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  4. ^ "Thunder Acquires Ridnour and Future Draft Pick". nba.com. June 25, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  5. ^ "OKC has shopped Perry Jones, Jeremy Lamb and Steve Novak the last few days, per league sources. Financially motivated, but looking for pick". twitter.com. June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  6. ^ "Thunder Acquires Trade Exception and Tomislav Zubcic". nba.com. June 30, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  7. ^ "Thunder Acquires Trade Exception and Protected Second Round Draft Pick". nba.com. July 14, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  8. ^ "Thunder Acquires Trade Exception and Protected Second Round Draft Pick". welcometoloudcity.com. July 14, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  9. ^ "Kyle Singler staying with Thunder". espn.com. July 1, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  10. ^ "Thunder Signs Singler to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 9, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  11. ^ "Thunder Matches Offer Sheet for Kanter". nba.com. July 12, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  12. ^ "Josh Huestis signs rookie deal with Thunder". espn.com. July 30, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  13. ^ "Thunder Signs Josh Huestis". nba.com. July 30, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  14. ^ "Oklahoma City Thunder Parts Ways With Scott Brooks as Head Coach". NBA.com. April 22, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  15. ^ "Thunder Names Billy Donovan Head Coach". NBA.com. April 30, 2015. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  16. ^ "Thunder Announces Coaching Staff". NBA.com. June 29, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  17. ^ "2015-16 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  18. ^ "2015-16 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  19. ^ "2015-16 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  20. ^ "Pacers' Paul George, Thunder's Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week". pr.nba.com. November 30, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  21. ^ "Raptors' DeMar DeRozan, Thunder's Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week". pr.nba.com. December 14, 2015. Retrieved December 14, 2015.
  22. ^ "Wizards' Marcin Gortat, Thunder's Russell Westbrook named NBA Players of the Week". pr.nba.com. December 28, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
  23. ^ "Wizards' John Wall, Thunder's Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week". pr.nba.com. January 18, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  24. ^ "Heat's Dwyane Wade, Thunder's Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week". pr.nba.com. February 1, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  25. ^ "Raptors' Kyle Lowry and Thunder's Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week". pr.nba.com. March 21, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
  26. ^ "Wizards' John Wall, and Thunder's Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook named Kia NBA Players of the Month". pr.nba.com. January 4, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  27. ^ "Raptors' DeRozan and Lowry share Kia NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month; Thunder's Durant wins West honor". pr.nba.com. February 2, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  28. ^ "Cavaliers' LeBron James, Thunder's Russell Westbrook named Kia NBA Players of the Month". pr.nba.com. April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  29. ^ "Lakers' Bryant holds off Warriors' Curry to finish as top vote-getter in NBA All-Star Voting 2016 presented by Verizon". pr.nba.com. January 21, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
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  34. ^ "Heat prevail on Dwyane Wade FTs after 38 lead changes in battle with OKC". espn.com. December 3, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  35. ^ "Westbrook rallies Thunder past Nuggets, 122-112". espn.com. December 27, 2015. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  36. ^ "Durant's 26 points lead Thunder past Hornets". espn.com. January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  37. ^ "Durant, Thunder top Mavs 109-106 for season-best 7-game run". espn.com. January 22, 2016. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  38. ^ "Russell Westbrook sizzles to lead Thunder to 12th win in 13 games". espn.com. February 3, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  39. ^ "Russell Westbrook sizzles to lead Thunder to 12th win in 13 games". espn.com. February 3, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  40. ^ "Russell Westbrook's huge triple-double leads Thunder to win". espn.com. March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  41. ^ "Westbrook's 13th triple-double helps Thunder down 76ers". espn.com. March 18, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
  42. ^ "Westbrook's triple-double leads Thunder past Rockets 111-107". espn.com. March 22, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  43. ^ "Westbrook's triple-double leads Thunder past Rockets 111-107". espn.com. March 22, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  44. ^ "Russell Westbrook posts his 16th triple-double; OKC wins 8th straight". espn.com. March 28, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  45. ^ "Russell Westbrook posts his 16th triple-double; OKC wins 8th straight". espn.com. March 28, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  46. ^ "Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers Game Recap – April 6, 2016". nba.com. April 7, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  47. ^ "Durant leads Thunder past Lakers in Bryant's last road game". espn.com. April 11, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  48. ^ "Thunder defense stifles Mavs' shooters in 38-point Game 1 win". espn.com. April 16, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  49. ^ "Thunder Acquires Ridnour and Future Draft Pick". nba.com. June 25, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  50. ^ "Thunder Acquires Trade Exception and Tomislav Zubcic". nba.com. June 30, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  51. ^ "Thunder Acquires Trade Exception and Protected Second Round Draft Pick". nba.com. July 14, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  52. ^ "Thunder Acquires Randy Foye". nba.com. February 18, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  53. ^ "Thunder Signs Singler to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 9, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  54. ^ "Thunder Matches Offer Sheet for Kanter". nba.com. July 12, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  55. ^ "Thunder Signs Josh Huestis". nba.com. July 30, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  56. ^ "Thunder Signs Nazr Mohammed". nba.com. March 5, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  1. ^ Kevin Durant led the Thunder to an undefeated 3-0 week with averages of 30.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 blocks.
  2. ^ Durant led the Thunder to an undefeated 4-0 week with averages of 27.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.8 steals. He recorded his first triple-double of the season with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists against Atlanta.
  3. ^ Russell Westbrook led the Thunder to a 3-1 week with averages of 28.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 3.0 steals.
  4. ^ Durant led the Thunder to an undefeated 4-0 week with averages of 26.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
  5. ^ Durant led the Thunder to an undefeated 3-0 week with averages of 34.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He had a 44-point, 14-rebound outing against New York.
  6. ^ Durant led the Thunder to an undefeated 4-0 with averages of 26.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
  7. ^ Durant and Westbrook led the Thunder to a 12-3 record in December. Durant had averages of 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists reaching the 20-point mark in all 15 games. Westbrook had averages of 23.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 2.73 steals.
  8. ^ Durant led the Thunder to a 13-3 record in February with averages of 28.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
  9. ^ Westbrook led the Thunder to a 11-5 record in March. Westbrook had averages of 21.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 10.6 assists. He logged seven triple-doubles in March, the most since Michael Jordan had seven in April 1989.