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Matt’s Monday Musings – The Thunder’s most efficient numbers

By Matthew Hallett

Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5), Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) pose for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5), Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) pose for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) poses for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) poses for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Steven Adams

Steven Adams is an integral part of  the system and identity which the OKC Thunder are attempting to develop. Adams is a tough, athletic competitor who is improving every season; the Big Kiwi’s attitude is amazing.

Looking into his numbers, Adams presents some very interesting trends.

More than 30 minutes

Looking at game time, if Adams plays more than 30 minutes the OKC Thunder have a 20-12 record. It is good to have a positive record when your starting center plays long minutes.

MUST READ: The Kiwi Bible – An ultimate guide to Steven Adams

There is a difference between playing time and being active. So I took all of the games over 30 minutes out where he took less than eight shots. This becomes 22 games. The Thunder have a 15-7 record when this happens.

Points

Adams has scored double figures in points 40 times this season. The Thunder have a 24-16 record when he does this. He has scored 15 points or more 21 times this season. The Thunder have a 14-7 record when this happens.

Blocks

I have believed for a while that Steven Adams is the defensive anchor for the Thunder. In five games where the Kiwi has recorded three blocks or more, the Thunder have only lost once. Yes, it is a small sample size but it tells you the importance of Adams rim protection.

If I extend that out to two blocks a game then the sample size increases to 18 games. The OKC Thunder have a 14-6 record when Adams has two or more blocks.

When he does not play

Adams has only missed two games this season, and it took the NBA concussion protocol to keep him out of these games. How did the OKC Thunder perform in these games?

Back-to-back 20 point losses against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. I for one am glad that they breed them tough in New Zealand. Adams came back and the OKC Thunder went on a three game winning streak

The Combination

I have often tried to quantify the relationship between Adams and Westbrook; it is easy when they are on the court to see their chemistry. Just watch any highlight reel for the alley-oop.

In games where Adams had two or more blocks and Westbrook does not have a triple double, the Thunder record is 4-6. This means if Adams has two or more blocks and Westbrook has a triple-double the Thunder have a 10-0 record. Who says defense doesn’t create offense?

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