The Oklahoma City Thunder went from having the Western Conference's best regular-season record last season to being knocked out of the postseason early after losing Russell Westbrook to a knee injury.
With the reigning West champion San Antonio Spurs as a role model, Kevin Durant won't let the lack of adulation get under his skin just two seasons removed from being in the NBA Finals.
"People don't mention the Spurs at all before the season and look where they always are at the end of the season," Durant told Yahoo Sports. "Outside chatter doesn't really mean anything to us as a group."
As long as Oklahoma City is healthy when it matters most in the playoffs, Durant says the franchise will remain relevant: "We know we can compete with any team."