Game Preview: OKC Thunder play hosts to the Atlanta Hawks
Keep moving the ball
OKC registered 23 assists against the Jazz. Granted Utah were missing a bunch of starters and were largely comprised of role players, the Thunder did what they were suppose to do – win the game with ease. Too often in the NBA do we see teams lose games to lesser sides because they view the opposition as a lesser threat. The Thunder hammered the Jazz because they were moving the ball.
One play of interest was captured handily by Royce Young of ESPN:
The ball swung around the perimeter and hit Westbrook at the top of the key. Standing at the table to check in Melo yelled "One more!" Westbrook swung it to the corner to Paul George for 3. Very good offense.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) December 21, 2017
It’s an encouraging sign when OKC are listening to each other and finding the open man. Not only does it look pretty but it makes life a whole lot easier. If OKC are truly dedicated to the cause, they need to bring the same intention to this game.
Treasure the Rock, Force Turnovers and Play with Pace
Oklahoma City and Atlanta both rank in the top 10 in steals. The Thunder are the best in the league in steals, averaging 10 per game while the Hawks are sixth (8.5). Additionally, both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in turnovers. OKC average 14.9 turnovers per game (17th) while Atlanta are 21st with 21.6 turnovers per game.
Interestingly, what both teams do with the turnovers is another story. The Thunder are ranked 6th overall in fast break points (14.0) while the Hawks are 22nd (9.6). If OKC are able to get out on the break and push the pace off turnovers, they are likely to control the game from the outset. If the Thunder walk the ball up and play slow, it will be to their detriment. The Thunder need to look after the rock, force turnovers and getting out on the break.
Steven Adams must dominate the glass
The OKC Thunder are first in offensive rebounds (12.0), fifth in total rebounds (53.9) and 23rd in defensive rebounds (32.0). The Hawks are 20th in offensive rebounds (9.0), 28th in total rebounds (47.4) and 29th in defensive rebounds (30.4).
Atlanta do not have a big man that matches Steven Adams sheer size and athleticism. Adams averages more offensive rebounds (4.9) than defensive boards (4.0) and the Hawks just don’t have the size inside to keep him out. This is a clear advantage to the Thunder and they need to punish a small Hawks team lacking size.