OKC Thunder: Five Stats to Explain Their .500 Record
By Tony Heim
4. 102.2 Defensive Rating
Throughout the preseason, a defensive identity was preached by Billy Donovan, Russell Westbrook, Sam Presti…even the ballboys got involved (jokes). With the athletes, coaching staff and quotes, it wasn’t crazy to think that the Thunder would be a top-five defensive team.
Through six games they were. Oklahoma City ranked fourth in defensive rating with a score of 95.2 AND THAN HELD MIAMI TO 85 POINTS. They had it all. Everyone was playing with high energy, the defensive rotations were smooth and they did a great job of stopping team’s in transition.
Honestly, the only thing that has changed in the last nine games is the effort on that end of the floor. There are spurts where Dipo and Co. swarm opposing perimeter players, forcing turnovers and contested shots. But the communication always breaks down between the frontcourt and backcourt.
Teams have been destroying the Thunder on pick & rolls because of this lack of communication. Oklahoma City has given up more possessions to the roller than any other team in the NBA because guards and bigs are not actively figuring out who should help, hedge or switch.
The most important facet of defensive success is communication, and OKC has failed that category to the extreme since starting 6-1.