After stringing collectively a number of inspiring defensive performances, Oklahoma City’s staff protection is popping into some extent of weak spot moderately than a power. At this level, the Thunder’s protection, or lack of protection, is changing into laborious to disregard.
The Thunder at present rank twentieth within the NBA in defensive score proper behind the Charlotte Hornets. Oklahoma City ranks within the backside three in each opponents second probability factors and opponents paint factors. The Thunder have been torched on the perimeter recently, giving up large single-quarter outputs and dropping the Thunder’s scores down throughout the board.
The final time Oklahoma City held an opponent to lower than 120 complete factors was almost two weeks in the past towards the Raptors. The Thunder has performed 5 video games since.
Part of the explanation OKC continues to drop so many shut battles is as a result of the younger staff runs out of steam on the finish. After preventing so laborious to claw again into the sport all evening lengthy, it is smart that the group tends to expire of gasoline. Big first quarters have turn out to be an unlucky pattern for this Thunder squad.
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In the earlier two contests, shockingly sufficient, Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence has effected Oklahoma City’s complete recreation plan, together with defensively. Poku has developed a knack for blocking pictures, and was one among Oklahoma City’s simplest entrance court docket members earlier than twisting his ankle. His absence was clear, as each Jaren Jackson Jr. and Julius Randle had 25+ level double-doubles.
As the Thunder proceed to attempt new lineups and rotations on the ground, the protection is bound to indicate potential. Generally, this has been a scrappy, younger staff that tries laborious to win. Giving extra on-court alternatives to prolonged defenders like Aaron Wiggins, and even doubtlessly Ousmane Dieng, might be a direct resolution to Oklahoma City’s struggles. The inside deficiencies have been anticipated, however at this level it looks like the Thunder is daring opponents to shoot open 3-pointers.
Once Mark Daigneault’s protection is again so as, the offensive enchancment will appear that rather more spectacular. So far this season, the depth simply hasn’t actually clicked on that aspect of the ground.
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