Oklahoma City Thunder Quietly Back as One of NBA’s Elite
Still Not Perfect
The Oklahoma City Thunder have won 21 of their past 25 games. Thus, it’s hard to poke holes in what Billy Donovan has turned into a deep and well-rounded rotation of stars and solid contributors.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Thunder are perfect, as previously acknowledged with their No. 30 ranking in passes per game. The question is, what’s left to do?
When Oklahoma City made a run to the 2012 NBA Finals, James Harden came off the bench to create balance between Durant and Westbrook. He confidently handled the ball as both a scorer and facilitator, all the while stepping up in key moments during the fourth quarter.
Dion Waiters, who has struggled since coming to Oklahoma City, is being pegged to fill those shoes.
As a team, Oklahoma City produces elite numbers on the glass. The Thunder also allow the 10th most offensive rebounds per game, which means second chances are coming fast for the opposition.
Limiting teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and San Antonio Spurs to one shot will be key.
Most significantly, Oklahoma City is No. 17 in opponent 3-point field goal percentage at .352. With potential matchups looming against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, and Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs, that must improve.
If nothing else does, the Thunder’s defense of the 3-point shot must become a strength. It could prove to be the difference between winning a championship and Durant departing in free agency.