Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Carmelo Anthony said he will not make a move to the bench amid the team’s struggles this season. When asked if he will follow Dwyane Wade’s decision to become a reserve when the Cleveland Cavaliers struggled early this season, Anthony said “hell no,” per Bleacher Report. The Thunder have lost three straight games and dropped five of their last six outings to slip to 8-12 on the season, despite being one of the preseason favorites in the Western Conference. “Nobody is moping around, nobody is frustrated—I think guys are angry, I think guys are pissed,” said Anthony.

Anthony says Thunder need consistency

The Thunder own one of the best big three in the league in Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Anthony. George and Anthony were acquired by the Thunder via offseason trades with the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, respectively. Anthony said the Thunder need consistency and continue to play at the level fans expect them to be. When it happens, Anthony said the team will make a turnaround. Anthony is averaging 19.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 19 games with the Thunder this season as their power forward. George is averaging 20.2 points and 5.9 rebounds while Westbrook leads the way with 22.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per outing.

Westbrook takes blame for struggles

Westbrook took the blame for the team’s struggles after their 121-108 loss to the Orlando Magic. Westbrook, the reigning MVP, told Eric Horne of the Oklahoman that he needs to set an example to get the Thunder back on track. Currently, the Thunder are 2-9 on the road and 3-9 against Western Conference teams while their offense ranks 22nd in efficiency, per ESPN.com.

Thunder head coach Billy Donovan, for his part, remains optimistic that his three superstars will be more comfortable playing together as the season goes along. Donovan said Westbrook, George and Anthony were accustomed to playing their own style before coming together in Oklahoma City, so they need time to adjust and mesh together.

“So I think we'll continue to get better and evolve and improve on that end of the floor,” said Donovan.

In their loss to the Magic, Westbrook scored 37 points and grabbed 11 boards, George added 22 while Anthony had 16 on 5-of-16 shooting from the field. Outside of the Thunder’s big three, only Andre Roberson scored in double-digits with 11 points. The Thunder will try to end their losing skid when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday (Dec. 1).
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