OKC Thunder in the news for November 25 reflects on another lost opportunity, Paul George’s defensive prowess and focus on the process.
Hopes were the OKC Thunder could utilize the win over the Warriors as a building block but unfortunately there remains issues to resolve. In other words the process continues.
Notably, the OKC Thunder still need to capture a clutch time victory, figure out how to get the best from their reserves and capitalize on the assets they have. Of these the most important is getting everyone working together to capitalize on their strengths. Perhaps the answer lies with Donovan who still is playing with lineup iterations.
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Topping the list of questions is what precisely is going on with Patrick Patterson who was brought to the Thunder for his defensive prowess and capacity to stretch the floor. Granted OKC need rebounding and their defense hasn’t been the priority issue, but something is definitely strange regarding Patterson’s lack of playing time. ‘
Paul George the defensive beast:
As for the defense it’s still the best area of the Thunder’s game. Surprisingly it’s not Andre Roberson topping the Association’s best defensive lists. It’s Paul George. That’s not to say George wasn’t already a defensive talent. Rather, George has been better than advertised.
Erik Horne of News OK offers up the evidence on George’s dominance.
"If you pull up the NBA’s “Hustle” stats, it’s George who tops every significant statistical category for a perimeter defender. George leads the NBA in deflections per 36 minutes (5.0), total deflections (87), loose balls recovered per 36 minutes (2.2) and total loose balls recovered (38).It’s why the Thunder, the NBA’s No. 3 defense in points allowed per 100 possessions (98.6), is turning opponents over at a league-high 18.8 percent of possessions. The Thunder also leads the NBA in points per game off turnovers (21.6). George had four steals against the Warriors, three of which led to eight points."
Thunder fail to use GSW as building block:
The process will take some time and curiously the OK3 don’t seem to be able to get past the road block which is the fourth quarter. Perhaps once they clear that hurdle perhaps the team will finally be able to find consistency. Here’s the post game comments and videos:
OK3 flounder in the clutch:
Westbrook, George and Melo combined in the fourth: 7-of-26, 2-of-11 from 3, 16 points.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) November 25, 2017
Donovan on last play:
Donovan said Thunder got the shot it wanted from Westbrook with 5 seconds left. "I wanted to get the ball into his hands quickly or Paul's hands quickly. I trust his decision making. I trust Russell in those situations."
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) November 25, 2017
Who is Donovan trying to convince – the fans or himself?
Donovan thought Thunder executed well down the stretch. "We got relatively decent looks, and that happens sometimes. I thought there was progress in the consistency we're looking for (on offense)."
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) November 25, 2017
Russ comments:
Donovan thought Thunder executed well down the stretch. "We got relatively decent looks, and that happens sometimes. I thought there was progress in the consistency we're looking for (on offense)."
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) November 25, 2017
PG13 comments:
Donovan thought Thunder executed well down the stretch. "We got relatively decent looks, and that happens sometimes. I thought there was progress in the consistency we're looking for (on offense)."
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) November 25, 2017
Melo’s input points directly to the process:
Melo: “Once we lose focus on that process, then bad things happen.” pic.twitter.com/DbTv67yAIA
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) November 25, 2017
For more on the game itself check out Sinjin Snope’s post game grades. The OKC Thunder don’t have much time to rest on their laurels since they’ll be back in action tonight. Tony Heim serves up the pregame analysis and check back later today for TIP 3 where TI has a pregame chat with the opposing team’s expert.
Next: OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks pregame analysis
During the game join us on Twitter and come back post game for the player grades. Of course we’ll be actively offering up plenty of content on your favorite team and players so make sure to check in daily.