Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Matt’s Monday Musings – The Thunder’s most efficient numbers

By Matthew Hallett

Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5), Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) pose for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5), Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) pose for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Semaj Christon (6) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Semaj Christon (6) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Semaj Christon

This slide may surprise a few people because the OKC Thunder rookie Semaj Christon is a slightly divisive player. When Cameron Payne was out at the start of the season, the second round pick became the primary backup to Westbrook.

The only second round rookie who has succeeded in this type of role this season is Malcolm Brogdon. He has been dynamite for the Milwaukee Bucks while Christon has toiled away with some surprising stats.

More than 15 minutes

In a stat which may surprise many readers, when Chistron plays more than 15 minutes a game the Thunder have a winning record. He has played 15 minutes or more in 20 games and the Thunder have a 12-8 record in that time.

When you combine the long playing time with six or more points being scored, the sample size shrinks to six games and the OKC Thunder have a win loss record of 4-2.

Assists

Christon has appeared in 48 games for the season. In the 38 games  he has recorded zero to three assists the OKC Thunder have a 19-19 record.

Related Story: Breaking down Semaj Christon’s impact

In the games where Christon records four to six assists the OKC Thunder have a 7-3 record. This says how important Christon has been to running the second unit. If he keeps the ball moving, the Thunder have a great chance of winning.

The Combination

When Christon has his 15 minute games scoring six or more points, and if Russell Westbrook shoots below fifty percent from the field the OKC Thunder have a 1-2 record. When Christon shoots at 43 percent or better and Westbrook shoots at 50 percent or better the Thunder are 3-0.

Yes, that is a small sample size, so instead of just taking the scoring output I will add assists. When Christon has four or more assists and Westbrook does not have a triple double, the OKC Thunder are 4-3 but when Christon has four or more assists and Westbrook has a triple double Oklahoma City is 3-0.

Of the 14 games where Semaj has recorded good numbers, Westbrook has failed to collect a triple-double in ten of them. The Thunder record in these games is 6-4. When the two point guards play well and Westbrook collects a triple-double the OKC Thunder have a 4-0 record.

Russell Westbrook is a large part of the picture as to why the OKC Thunder are winning. Every role in important though,  and Semaj Christon has a large role to play in the success of the OKC Thunder this season.

Home/Thunder News