Five takeaways from a dominant Thunder season opener
By Tony Heim
The defense is already top three in the league
Going into the season the Thunder said they wanted to be one of the best defensive teams in the league. Even with the new faces in Oklahoma City, it appears they are already there.
I’m not saying that because of the 26 forced turnovers, or New York’s overall 40.5% shooting from the field. I’m saying it because of defensive rotations like this:
The reason why Oklahoma City’s defense came together so quickly is because of their athletic versatility at all five positions. Watch the above video. When Tim Hardaway drives past Andre Roberson to the rim Steven Adams comes to help – everybody slides over in accordance. The ball ultimately ends up in Courtney Lee’s hand, who happens to be smothered by none other then Andre. The help-side switches happen naturally, less than three minutes into their first regular season game at that.
The key to a great defense isn’t individual talent – it’s having a roster that understands the team schemes. Sam Presti intelligently built a roster that is defensively fluid from 1-5. A switch-heavy defense is technically the easiest defense to play, but having the right personnel is why few teams can actually employ it.
Related Story: Paul George says the Thunder will be a top defensive team
Oklahoma City can switch everything knowing their point guard won’t be pushed around by a center and their center won’t be put on a spin cycle by a guard. The only other team who can say that? Golden State.
It’s a copy cat league – Presti’s only playing the game.