Five stats that correlate with Thunder wins/losses
By Tony Heim
3. The Thunder are 14-6 when Adams takes 10+ shots
Now this just goes hand-in-hand with the Westbrook slide. When Russ becomes less of an offensive focal point and someone else-specifically Adams-rises up the Thunder become much more successful. And it’s pretty simple.
It’s hard enough to try and contain Russell Westbrook. So when Oklahoma City can just get one other weapon firing it opens up the floor for the most dynamic player in the league. Which in turn opens up the floor for the rest of the players.
Related Story: Steven Adams can be the second scoring option OKC needs
In fact, some of the Thunder’s most impressive offensive performances have come when Adams goes off. Remember Christmas against Minnesota? Adams had 22 in that rout. Or how about the first game against Chicago this season? Adams had 22 in that rout.
I feel like I’m beating a dead horse, but it has to be said with the Big Kiwi. The real reason why Adams needs more touches is for him to develop as an offensive weapon. Remember, the Thunder are paying him $100 million over the next four years. They need him to develop into a 20-point a night scorer for that contract to be justified. The 23-year old has that potential, but he needs the game reps in order to get there.
Bonus Stat: The Thunder are 4-8 when Adams takes 5 shots or less.