Oklahoma City Thunder threw away a 22-point second half lead against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and star man Kevin Durant says his side are “fooling themselves” if they think they are a good team at present.

Oklahoma have lost five from seven following the All-Star break, having also blown a big lead against Championship favourites Golden State Warriors.

Durant believes his side need to learn how to see games out if they want to mount a serious title challenge this season.

“They made plays, we didn’t,” Durant is quoted as saying by ESPN. “They were disciplined, we weren’t. We want to be a great team. We’re fooling ourselves. If we just want to be a great team, the way we’re playing, we’re fooling ourselves.
We want to win a bunch of games in the regular season, that’s cool, but we’re fooling ourselves with the way we’re playing.”

The Thunder are currently third in the Western Conference, behind San Antonio Spurs and leaders Golden State.

Durant’s side face a huge test on Thursday as they travel to face the Warriors, while the Spurs take on the Pelicans in New Orleans.

Oklahoma City Thunder are 11.00 to claim the NBA Championship outright but Durant is aware they to improve on their recent form if they are to challenge for the top prize.

He added: “We hate losing. But at the end of the day, we’re still in a good spot. We’ve just got to climb out of where we’re at right now.”

Golden State are 2.05 to successfully defend the NBA Championship and the Spurs can be backed at 4.50.