Oklahoma City Thunder: Takeaways vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 takeaways vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks with the media after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 20, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Oklahoma City Thunder: Takeaways vs Cleveland Cavaliers

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4. Paint dominance

Without Kevin Love, the Cavaliers were at a big disadvantage on the inside. The Thunder took full advantage as they crushed Cleveland in the paint.

The first thing that pops out is the rebounding differential. Oklahoma City out-rebounded Cleveland 52-28. Carmelo Anthony and Steven Adams had 10 rebounds each, nearly keeping pace with the whole Cavaliers team by themselves.

Where the Thunder really dominated was on the defensive glass. They were able to finish off Cavaliers possessions with defensive rebound, limiting the second chances for Cleveland. The Cavs managed to pull down only three offensive rebounds in the game. Two players on the Thunder, Andre Roberson and Adams, had more offensive rebounds, pulling down four and five respectively.

Being able to close out possessions with a defensive rebound is almost as important as stopping the player in front of you. The Thunder were successful in doing that, and kept their own possessions alive with 16 offensive rebounds of their own.

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