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OKC Thunder: Long starting lineup causing problems for opposing teams

By Albert Dadson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 5: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks the shot of Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic on February 5, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 5: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks the shot of Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic on February 5, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The OKC Thunder are having their best season in recent memory and look like real contenders in the West. A long-armed starting lineup is a big part of the reason.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the league. They are winning games that they did not win last year, and their long starting lineup is a big reason for that.

The OKC Thunder are one of the best teams on defense. They rank third in defensive rating at 104.9. OKC has the top two players in steals per game with Paul George and Russell Westbrook, who are both averaging 2.3 steals per game.

As a team, they are first in steals per game with 10.3. Oklahoma City turns these steals into easy points, as they are fourth in the league in fast break points with 18.4 per game. This is due to their length.

A long team has the ability to steal the ball and turn that into points with fewer dribbles on the offensive end.

Players have gotten taller and almost all players now have perimeter-based skill-sets. The Thunder have Russell Westbrook at point guard, who is 6’3″. Shooting guard Terrance Ferguson is 6’7″, Paul George at small forward who is 6’9″, Jerami Grant is at power forward at 6’9″ and center Steven Adams is 7’0″.

Westbrook is able to use his length to steal the ball with the best in the league. With his long arms (6’7.5″ wingspan) and jumping ability, he is able to lift off for rebounds as the best rebounding point guard in the league.

Ferguson has been able to find his way in his second season. While he is not having a breakout year statistically, he has been able to drain 3s. His long, lanky body (6’9.5″ wingspan) helps him stay in front of players on defense and get open on offense for 3-point shots when he is moving off the ball.

Paul George’s two-way ability would not be at the level that it is at now without his intangibles. He also has a long and lanky body (6’11” wingspan), which helps him get in the passing lanes for steals. He is having a career year rebounding the ball as well.

Jerami Grant is a freakish athlete (7’2.5″ wingspan) and he is also having a good year. His long arms help him all over the court in terms of getting in passing lanes, defending shots and rebounding the ball. With a long body and even longer wingspan, Grant helps the frontcourt remain stout on defense. He is the second-shortest player in the top 20 in blocks per game.

Steven Adams is a player that is described by other players as being really strong. He also has formidably sized arms (7’4.5″ wingspan) that help him anchor the defense. If you are able to get past the long arms of Westbrook and George, you have to deal with Adams down low.

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The OKC Thunder are one of the best teams defensively and that is because of their length. They get in passing lanes, get steals and cause mayhem on that side of the ball, which is resulting in their best season since Kevin Durant left.

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