5 Takeaways From The Thunder’s First Win
By Adam Joseph
Oct 28, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Promising Early Signs Offensively
Whilst the Thunder will always come to rely on their two main stars as a big source of their offense, you could see the difference in systems already after watching the first 48 minutes of the season. A big emphasis has been put on movement from players off the ball and you could see that early.
Particularly in the second quarter when the second unit took the floor with Serge Ibaka, players were flying around off the ball creating new looks you wouldn’t normally see from the Thunder. The new wrinkles in their offensive scheme turned good shots into great shots, with the team shooting 49percent (42-of-86) overall.
In a game where Leonard made life difficult for Durant (22 points on 6-of-19 shooting) and the Spurs were playing like this, the Thunder persevered and got important contributions from Kanter, Dion Waiters (who scored two crucial back-to-back baskets down the stretch) and Morrow who hit a pair of big threes.
There was always going to be rust to shake off, but to put on a performance like that first game out on the offensive end speaks volumes to what this team is capable of when they really get going.
Next: The Defense Holds Up