5 Takeaways From The Thunder’s First Win
By Adam Joseph
Apr 7, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (34) loses the ball while guarded by San Antonio Spurs forward
(21) and guard
(14) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Enes Kanter Has A Big Role To Play
Enes Kanter was terrific tonight. After a summer of criticism, Oklahoma City’s new number 11 made a huge impression and responded to his critics with 15 points and 16 rebounds (six offensive) in just 24 minutes.
He got his 15 on just 7-of-11 shooting, taking over inside against the likes of Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge and David West. That can’t be understated. In a game featuring so many elite big men, the Turk stole the show.
An interesting wrinkle was that he didn’t exclusively share the floor with Serge Ibaka, the game also saw him paired with Steven Adams at times.
His defensive issues are well documented and he will continue to have his doubters, but he did exactly what he’s paid to do – eat up every single spare rebound and putback available to him.
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