Five takeaways from the OKC Thunder win against Utah

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Jan 26, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan speaks to Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) in action against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Billy Donovan is making his mark on this team

This is undoubtedly Russell Westbrook’s team. But at the same time this is becoming Billy Donovan’s team.

With the acquisition of Doug McDermott and the emergence of Abrines Donovan now has the weapons to fully implement his side-to-side spread offense. And we’re already starting to see new elements in the offense.

Instead of the usual Steven Adams post up down low the Thunder started the game with a three for Abrines. They ran the elevator double-screen, something so rare even the best Thunder beat reporters didn’t recognize it.

Thunder already implementing some new stuff. Just ran elevator doors with McDermott. Not sure they've done that this year.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) March 1, 2017

For the record they have, but not since December.

The fact that McDermott already has set plays is a fantastic sign for this offense moving forward. When Victor Oladipo comes back Donovan will have his second-best distributor; the amount of options on the offensive end will increase tenfold.

Despite the extra success from the perimeter OKC is taking less shots from deep because they are actually taking smart shots. Playing smart is yet another by-product of being around the coach known as The Professor.

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