The NBA is beginning to take discover of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The youngest crew in the NBA is discovering a mid-season groove behind a stingy protection and shortly progressing stars.
Gilgeous-Alexander is on an MVP-type tear by way of half of the season, and OKC is reaping the advantages. He’s averaging 30.7 factors, 5.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per sport, and is definitely the largest cause for the Thunder’s latest bounce. Josh Giddey has been magnificent, too, upping his totals to 16 factors, eight rebounds and 5.8 assists per sport.
The Thunder’s newfound success more than likely wouldn’t be doable with out Kenrich Williams, although. The do-it-all glue man has crammed in at middle many instances this season, and appears to play wherever he’s wanted on both finish of the flooring. On the season, Kenny Hustle is averaging 7.6 factors on 53% from the flooring and 42.9% from 3-point vary. Over the final ten video games, Williams is capturing 51.5% from downtown.
Tuesday, Shams Charania reported Oklahoma City’s intentions to maintain Williams for the lengthy haul. It’s simple to see why the Thunder would need him to stay round longterm. Williams can be a right away asset to any contending crew, and now, OKC out of the blue appears a lot nearer to competing.
The Thunder signed Williams to a four-year, $27.2 million contract extension this summer season, and to this point it has paid off huge time.
Oklahoma City’s on-court success with out a true middle has been a crew effort, however Williams’ skill to play and guard any place is important. The Thunder has held its floor on the buying and selling block, and appears to be content material with rolling out weirdly efficient small-ball lineups. Mark Daigneault has his squad enjoying with critical effort, and the scheme actually appears to hit residence.
Oklahoma City sits at No. 9 in the NBA’s crew defensive rankings, whereas rating in the high ten in each steals and blocks. Even with none true entrance court docket depth, the Thunder has managed to internet a high ten protection any means you take a look at it. One of the largest the reason why is Willams, and he’s right here to set the tone in OKC for the lengthy haul.
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