Despite roster changes, the OKC Thunder swept the season series versus the Pelicans. The following video breaks down the key highlights occurring in the OKC Thunder victory.
As the OKC Thunder enter the stretch run of the regular season, they move to 2-0 post All-Star break, following a 118-110 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Both squads made significant roster shuffles at the trade deadline. The OKC Thunder added Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott, but the Pelicans addition of DeMarcus Cousins was the most shocking change in the Association.
Related: Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Grade: Adding and Keeping Talent
Dramatic Roster Changes:
When Boogie was traded to New Orleans it turned the NBA trade deadline upside down. Many feared the outcome. Some were convinced the Pelicans would instantly become playoff contenders with such domineering presences in the paint. Others believed the Pelicans weak back-court would hinder them. Though a small sample size, clearly there is still ample work to be done before New Orleans become serious contenders.
Related: NBA Trade Deadline Roundup – Dissecting Southwest Division Deals
Pelicans Weakness Punctuated Post Trade:
New Orleans has been hampered by overall inferior guard play all season. With the loss of several guards in the trade this vulnerability is even more pronounced. Conversely, boasting two All-Star big men in Boogie and the Brow only serves to heighten the Pelicans greatest strength. Showcasing their impressive skill-set Davis scored 38 points while Cousins contributed 31 points. The pair kept the OKC Thunder frontcourt busy all night.
Difficulty Stopping Pelicans’ Twin Towers:
A frequent trend was the difficult task of locking down Davis while simultaneously taking care of Cousins. In several instances a missed shot attempt by one resulted in a rebound and easy put-back for the other.
As seen above, the majority of the defense is focused on which big man is the primary on the offensive set. As a result, the off-ball defensive post-player must shift over to help stop the attack at the rim. This leaft the other post player unchecked and free to rebound.
This proved to be a nightmare to stop. For example, with Sabonis guarding the faster, stronger Davis on the perimeter, once Davis drives, a Thunder teammate needs to leave their assignment to help. This happened repeatedly, only legitimizing the potential threat of playing two All-Star post players simultaneously.
Bad Habits Still An Issue:
Although the OKC Thunder did come out of the night with a comfortable win against the Pelicans, the game wasn’t without errors or breakdowns. As expected, playing the restructured Pelicans required the OKC Thunder post players a myriad of problems.
Granted with such a big defensive assignment keeping focus was key. In one instance however, Steven Adams uncharacteristically displayed a possession of lazy defense allowing Cousins to score:
Considering Adams’ reputation as one of the league’s most physical and hard working defenders plays like this are generally few and far between. Cousins is known for his consistent efficient mid-range scoring. Yet, in this isolated instance Adams appears to allow him the open shot as he sits back in the paint, putting no pressure on the ball.
Fortunately for OKC there were still plenty of instances throughout the game in which Adams played excellent defense on the two All-Stars. Perhaps fatigue was the reasons for this uncharacteristic lackadaisical defense displayed by Adams.
Related: Benefit of OKC Thunder trade may not surface until April
OKC Thunder Made Pelican Big Men Work Defensively:
Of the many things positive things OKC’s offense did in their win, one was keeping their post players involved. A good majority of the points came from the paint as big men like Steven Adams, Enes Kanter, and occasionally Domantas Sabonis. Even when points did not come from the paint, the guards were still keeping them involved with the offense as seen below:
One of the most efficient and simple plays in basketball is the in-and-out. A guard feeds the big man in the post. In the above case, Kanter begins to make a move to the basket. Considering Kanter’s well-known post presence , the Pelicans’ guard who is covering Westbrook goes to double down and help to stop Kanter from scoring. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, focusing too much on what Kanter was about to do distracted the guard from what Westbrook was doing, leaving him wide open for the easy three-pointer.
Must Read: Dispelling the myths and appreciating Russell Westbrook for who he is
Westbrook Produces Cousins First Pelicans Poster:
A frequent trend among the OKC Thunder wins this season is the recurring Russell Westbrook explosive fourth quarter. Clutch Westbrook tends to takeover the game in close situations. During these moments Westbrook scores in abundance and adds an energy to the team which is unparalleled by his peers in the league. Westbrook’s fourth quarter ferocity versus the Pelicans is epitomized in this play:
Not only was this specific play beneficial for the eventual win, it aided in sealing the solid lead. Perhaps more excitingly, it is also the first time Boogie has been put on a poster in a Pelicans jersey. This feat is even more significant considering the fact i his career Cousins has rarely been the in these posterizing situations.
MUST READ: Doug McDermott Player Profile
Bottom line:
Westbrook posterized the Pelicans newest All-Star, extended the lead in the final minutes, and asserted his overpowering dominance as one of the league’s best closers once again – all in the same play.
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One thing this post-game video analysis lacked is examples showcasing the abundance of points scored by Russell Westbrook. For the record, Westbrook scored 41 points and registered his 29th triple-double of the season.
Unfortunately, Westbrook scored so much there is simply not enough time to convert all his scoring plays to GIFs and insert them into the article. Hopefully, his dunk on Boogie will appease your appetites.
Fortunately for the OKC Thunder, the past two games consisting of the Lakers and Pelicans were a good opportunity for the team to adjust to playing with two new faces.
Although the schedule has not been the most challenging (and will continue to be easier than before), it is still a positive note the team started the final leg of the season 2-0.
Moving forward the OKC Thunder can now get some practice sessions under their belts to foster greater insight for Gibson and McDermott with a view to building greater chemistry.