Five takeaways from the OKC Thunder win against Utah

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Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) looks to drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Taj Gibson brings the Ibaka effect back to OKC

What made Oklahoma City so successful in last year’s playoffs? Their ability to switch on everything, which hinged on Serge Ibaka. The Ibaka trade brought in a different type of power forward in Domantas Sabonis; the rookie has struggled handling athletic stretch fours all season.

The most recent Sam Presti trade addressed that issue.

Related Story: The ultimate Taj Gibson player profile

Tonight looked just like that Golden State series on a lesser scale. Quin Snyder employed a perimeter-oriented lineup to combat OKC’s height down low, but Taj Gibson allowed Donovan to play a traditional lineup without sacrificing athleticism.

Don’t let Gibson’s -7 +/- deceive. What’s important is that he played 26 minutes, one less than both Steven Adams and Enes Kanter. Billy Donovan entrusted him to play virtually the entire fourth quarter in only his third game in an OKC uniform, a testament to Gibson’s IQ on both ends of the court.

Sabonis’ time as a starter is over soon; the rookie played 8 minutes against New Orleans and 11 minutes tonight. The 20-year old doesn’t look ready for the playoffs, let alone start. It only makes sense to start Gibson soon so he can gel with Westbrook and the rest of the starters.

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