The OKC Thunder had their first full practice as a team. Afterwards the media spoke to Norris Cole, Andre Roberson and Head Coach Billy Donovan
Norris Cole
Watch Video Here: Source Oklahoma City Thunder – Norris Cole
Full Practice – Finally
New OKC Thunder addition, Norris Cole was part of a successful Miami Heat franchise who won two Championships. Why is this important? They had to be able to win on the road. This is something that the OKC Thunder need to remember how to do.
Norris Cole, Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott finally got to have a full session together with teammates.
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At this practice, there was a lot repetition sets with the new guys and entirety of the second unit. Including repeated instruction of specific plays to help players understand where they should be and to help with court spacing.
How To Succeed On The Road
Cole was asked what makes a team successful on the road, he answered: Attention to detail and extra effort. While simple, this is crucial to the teams success and can be measured via solid basketball principles and hustle plays. Things like contesting shots, boxing out and pressuring the ball handler. As per Cole: Covering on defense, slide across when a teammate is out of position. (something missing in Dallas.
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Andre Roberson
Watch Video Here: Source Oklahoma City Thunder – Andre Roberson
When a team is struggling on defense, who better on the OKC Thunder to talk to than Andre Roberson.
Roberson’s advice for the team. Communicate, be on the same page. Go out there and fight for one another. Contest every shot, rush the opposition off the three point line and use slides effectively.
For the game against the Portland Trailblazers, Roberson wants the team to come out with fire and energy. They need to get back on the same page and get back on the right track. Their seeding in the Playoffs will depend on it.
Billy Donovan
Watch Video Here: Source Oklahoma City Thunder – Billy Donovan
Billy Donovan is continuing to preach the concept of team defense. Certain match-ups, like the recent one against Dallas stretched the OKC Thunder defense. Donovan reiterated Roberson’s comments.
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Donovan also preached not giving up easy lay-ups. He wants better built-in or organic help. This is where the player is naturally in a better position to help the on ball defense.
Donovan is focusing the new players toward better positioning. Coach Donovan cited an example where McDermott gave up a corner three (the type OKC prefer to contain) against the Phoenix Suns.
Every member of the OKC Thunder organization, every scribe that writes about the Thunder and every Thunder supporter hopes that the Thunder have more success on their home court.