Oklahoma City Thunder Quietly Back as One of NBA’s Elite

Ball Movement

Thus far in 2015-16, the Oklahoma City Thunder have eclipsed 30 assists on four separate occasions. In 44 total games played, that’s good for an average of once every 11 outings.

Between 2008-09 and 2014-15, OKC reached or surpassed 30 assists in 11 different games, per Royce Young of ESPN. In 476 total games played, that adds up to an average of once every 43.3 outings.

Enough said.

One can point out that the Thunder are dead last in passes made per game, and that certainly must be acknowledged. Oklahoma City falls into isolation tendencies far too often, which is evident in its ranking No. 6 in the NBA in isolation possessions.

What Billy Donovan has instilled, however, is a mentality that passes must be made with a purpose.

Making the extra pass will go a long way for the Thunder, no matter how gifted Durant and Westbrook are in isolation. In the meantime, Donovan’s emphasis on finding the open man has Oklahoma City playing at an exceptionally high level.

The question is, can the Thunder continue to learn and develop under his tutelage?

Next: In Control