OKC Thunder post-game film: Despite loss, Steven Adams offers silver lining

OKC Thunder post-game film shows promising signs for the team. In particular, Steven Adams was a clear shining light despite the heart breaking loss.

The OKC Thunder thought they had secured a miraculous comeback against the Minnesota Timberwolves after Carmelo Anthony’s heroic three-pointer. Ultimately, it was not to be. Still, Billy Donovan must have walked away pleased with how the OKC Thunder have grown tactically.

Steven Adams as a passing threat

During Steven Adams’  breakout performance two playoffs ago, some felt he had the potential to be a passing big man. Last season, expectations somehow died out, as Adams faded as the pressure grew.

As the OKC Thunder built their own Big 3, Steven Adams inched even further towards becoming the forgotten man. However, against the Wolves, Adams reminded fans why Sam Presti thinks so highly of him.

Here, Paul George gears up to set a rub screen for Russell Westbrook. But, George slips the screen and makes the beeline for the basket. Adams smartly recognizes this and hits George with the exquisitely-weighted pass over the defense. Impressive stuff from the Big Kiwi.

Russell Westbrook no longer needs to rebound

Last season, Russell Westbrook racked up so many defensive rebounds because he had to single-handedly lead the fast break. The OKC Thunder needed him to start surveying the floor right from their own court. It maximized Westbrook’s playmaking abilities but inevitably slowed the Thunder down.

See how as soon as Carmelo Anthony forced the turnover, Russell Westbrook could start sprinting full speed up court. Instead of worrying that his teammates would struggle to ignite the break, Westbrook could now focus on pushing the pace. Arguably, this plays to Westbrook’s and the OKC Thunder’s overall athleticism better.

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OKC Thunder starting to develop ATO plays

Last season, Russell Westbrook’s game film showed he was one of the league’s most clutch players. But, the game film also showed how much Westbrook had to play hero ball, because the OKC Thunder simply did not have other viable options. This season, things are visibly different.

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Consider Russell Westbrook’s crazy game-winner against the Denver Nuggets last year. Like the play above, Westbrook came out of the timeout rubbing off a Steven Adams screen. But, look at all the other action happening.

Carmelo Anthony started by coming off a double screen as well before settling into the strong side corner. The defense also had to worry about Paul George, who, as the inbounder, was tactically-speaking the most dangerous man to take a shot.

Instead of jacking up a bad three, Westbrook drove towards the basket. He then whipped around to feed Anthony the ball while screening his man out of the picture. With that kind of airspace, there was only going to be one outcome.

Conclusion

Every loss will always be heartbreaking. Even more so when it is at the hands of an up-and-coming division rival. But, the OKC Thunder certainly showed another step of improvement.

The Big 3 will continue to need time to find their groove. However, Steven Adams emerged as an uncanny silver lining in tonight’s game.

If Adams can continue to step up his passing chops, while impacting the game as a hard screener and roll man, the OKC Thunder will become a flat-out scary offensive unit.