OKC Thunder: Wednesday March 8th, Practice Roundup

After a fourth straight loss, Wednesday’s practice for the OKC Thunder was critical in preparing for San Antonio Spurs game.

Today the media talked to three OKC Thunder representatives. Specifically, the scrum spoke to Head Coach Billy Donovan, Steven Adams and Doug McDermott.

Billy Donovan

Donovan – Defensive Awareness:

Defense was top of mind for Donovan who said the squad need to have better awareness especially in transition. He highlighted the issues OKC had in their recent outing versus Portland. For example, Steven Adams should not be the man guarding Allen Crabbe on the three point line.

Mismatches of this nature often result in reasonably easy three point shots.

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Re: Steven Adams

Donovan wants Steven Adams to roll hard to the hoop on most plays. When he does this it frees up other areas on the court for the OKC Thunder to attack.

Adams made a single shot attempt in the Portland game, but Donovan does not believe it is because other teams are loading the paint. He said “I trust Steven, he had the ball in the paint a number of times and elected not to shoot.”

Moreover, Donovan believes if you do not feel comfortable with the shot then don’t take it.

Doug McDermott

Re: Offense

Doug McDermott was happy to have another practice as it helps grow his knowledge. While the process will take take McDermott pointed to the benefits of practice –  “We have had our mistakes out there but I think we are growing and moving in the right direction.”

Since McDermott is a player who takes what the game gives him hopefully a greater understanding of the offense will allow for improved production. He just wants to win.

Related Story: A Win Tonight Will Wash Away The Pain

Re: San Antonio Spurs

The OKC Thunder next opponent is the San Antonio Spurs who McDermott played twice this year  while still with the Bulls. He pointed to how difficult the Spurs are to guard, especially the variety of drives and three point shots they utilize equally effectively.

Re: Russell Westbrook

According to McDermott, Russell Westbrook is a great guy off the court.  McD stated how much Russ means to the squad and further noted Westbrook’s work speaks for itself.

In a fun moment, McDermott says he and Taj Gibson are like most fans, bumping each other while watching an amazing Westbrook moment.

Steven Adams

Re: Defense

Adams believes for the OKC Thunder to improve their defense their communication needs to be better. “It is not scouting, just discipline to the defensive system.”

These are pretty solid words. The Thunder defense has regressed and this would explain it. Adams also explains that when opponents go on stretches where they get rhythm and score, the defense needs to be able to shut them down.

This is how the Thunder played at the start of the year and they need to get back to it.

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Tonight the OKC Thunder will have a chance to showcase how effective the practice session was as the Spurs arrive at Chesapeake and the home team looks to end a four game losing skid.