A couple times over the past few years, we’ve gone about the business of ranking the Thunder’s rivals.
We've called them the RIVAL rankings — Relevancy, Intrigue, Vitriol, Approach and Links — and we originally developed the points-based system in April 2014. The reason? The Thunder was preparing for another playoff series against the Grizzlies.
Remember those old-time bear-wrestling matches? Zach Randolph and Kendrick Perkins threatening fisticuffs. Overtimes. Nick Collison bleeding.
Oh, what fun.
Four years later, we did the RIVAL rankings again, and Memphis took a tumble from the top spot. Golden State assumed the position.