Film Room: OKC Thunder’s star power comes through
By Gideon Lim
Last night, Paul George gave Russell Westbrook the perfect birthday present – 37 points and the win. It is still too early to say anything. But, over the last two games, the OKC Thunder have looked nothing short of imperious.
The OKC Thunder hosted the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference matchup on Sunday night. Despite key players having to sit out the game, the team had no problem crushing the Mavs for their second straight win.
Thus far into the season, Steven Adams and Carmelo Anthony have been the team’s best players. With the duo sitting out, the Thunder’s star attractions did well to take over the game.
Instinct and athleticism
This play should intrigue OKC Thunder fans on two levels. One, Paul George displays an impressive passing touch. Two, observe the formation in which George is showing off his passing chops. In this play, Billy Donovan is essentially running a one-guard-four-wings lineout.
On one hand, the Thunder feel like they are the only team that can run an all-wing lineup and still struggle with spacing. On the other hand, the fact remains that because of their star power, even though these lineups provide almost no added spacing they can still yield open looks.
This is incredibly promising, even if it may not look like it. On defense, being able to field four wings brings the OKC Thunder one step closer to fulfilling Donovan’s vision of a hyper-switchy defense. As long as this lineup can survive nicely on offense, Billy Donovan could just have an answer for the Warriors. And, based on the play above, the OKC Thunder might not be as far off as some imagine.
Reading and reacting
On the topic of Paul George’s feel for the game, check out this nifty play from the four-time All-Star. Even though the play ends with a dunk, there is so much more than athleticism to look out for.
Right before this, Oklahoma City ran the exact same play. Russell Westbrook brings the ball up and hands the ball off to Paul George. The two “bigs”, Jerami Grant and Josh Huestis, move to set rub screens across the foul line for George. But, because George cashed in a three-pointer in the previous wing, the Mavericks big decides to hedge high on the screen to give George’s man more time to get around the screen.
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In that split second, Paul George makes the correct read, splits the screen and glides in for the dunk. Not bad for a “3-and-D” guy, right?
Probing and impaling
Even with all the summer additions, last season showed Thunder fans one thing – if Russell Westbrook starts to make his long balls, there really is nothing a defense can do to stop him.
Right before this play, Russell Westbrook made two three-pointers with a defender in his face. Once he gets the mismatch, Westbrook immediately pulls out and waits for the ball. Instead of going straight up, Westbrook takes his time to break down his defender. Sensing the space, Westbrook confidently pulls up to knock down the jumper.
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Taking and making do
Billy Donovan’s work is far from over. Defensive rotations still need to be tightened. The half-court offense still needs to get more complex. But Monday night’s win was a much needed boost for everyone, especially Paul George. George’s past two breakout performances will undoubtedly help him become more comfortable on the team.
When Carmelo Anthony and Steven Adams rejoins the team, Russell Westbrook will then have to find a way to expand this new team chemistry to include the duo. But, as of now, the team has every right to sit back and soak in the victory.