I think I agree here....For far different reasons, though.
I generally challenge your assessment of Z-Bo Matchup - mainly because the Griz' GASOL is A FAR MORE difficult Matchup for OKC to contend. GRIZ GASOL & RANDOLPH Frontcourt is & was a KEY REASON that Memphis took down OKC in last years' Playoffs, when the Thunder was minus 2 vital Backcourt pieces they depended upon in their Finals Run of 2011-12 (Harden & of course, KD's Wingman, Russell Westbrook).
As we all know, MPH dropped Game 1, then Won 4x from Westbrook-less OKC in Last Years' Playoffs by essentially doing accomplishing two things:
LIMITING PACE & OKC FASTBREAK/EASY BASKETS
- OKC NEVER Reached 100 Pts (MPH did so 1x in a 103-97 Griz OT Win)
- OKC Averaged JUST 9.4 Fastbreak PPG in Series
- MPH Outscored OKC in the Paint by 5.5 PPG
All this said, It probably goes w/o saying that OKC has AN EVEN BIGGER edge w/Durant vs Prince than they already would otherwise.
Lastly, The PRIMARY difference w/MPH & reason I'd expect OKC to flip the script vs MPH is as much about the Coaching difference this season as it is about Westbook being back for Thunder
Just a personal opinion that MPH HC L Hollins was instrumental in maintaining his teams' consistent Game Plan(s), especially 'in game play' & maintaining & adjusting those Game Plans during their Playoff Runs of the past 3 years (Awfully good Coaching going on when leading ANY Team thru 3 SERIES WINS in 3 YEARS W/O HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE & taking on a losing Team, getting them PAST THE 1ST ROUND 2 of the 3 Years he was in Memphis)