Thunder make statement in LA showcasing improving offensive chemistry

The OKC Thunder struggled early to find offensive chemistry, but the statement made in LA punctuates just how dangerous this squad could be.

In case you didn’t know winning is fun and the OKC Thunder sure look like they are having fun. OKC have regularly produced defensive prowess. But, most fans want to see a free flowing offense as well. That was sorely lacking for the Thunder through the first six weeks of play. More accurately the team looked to be suffering from rigor mortis as they died a slow death on court.

Looking back at season start it’s been a rough ride for the OKC Thunder who endured dissection and criticism at every turn. Hey, I’m not immune from the blame as I still don’t comprehend Head Coach Billy Donovan’s absolute refusal to utilize Patrick Patterson in a larger role. Then again, I guess that’s why Billy D makes the big bucks and I’m a lowly scribe.

One thing I do know is the manner in which the Thunder just descended upon LA certainly left no question this team’s offense could be special.

Case in point in their back-to-back STAPLES set the Thunder scored 133 points versus the Lakers and followed it up with 127 against the Clippers.  That 130 point per game average is a far cry from the Thunder’s 104.9 per game seasonal ppg average.

Isolating the scoring by month showed signs of progression.

October:  7 games with 4-3 record.  Scored 106.6 ppg ranking 11th

November: 13 games with 4-9 record.  Scored 100.0 ppg ranking 26th

December: 17 games with 12-5 record.  Scored 105.0 ppg ranking 13th

January (so far): 2 games with 2-0 record. Scored 130.0 ppg ranking 1st (for teams with more than 1 game).

Obviously the Thunder have emphasized defense as their key identity all season. Therefore, the step back in November may end up being a decision fans will consider extremely wise later on.

This because, although no one expects the Thunder to maintain a 130.0 point per game average it’s conceivable the team is far more comfortable in their offense. Certainly the chemistry is showing even via the eye test.

During their November struggles the squad seemed to have two speeds:

• ultra fast Westbrook speed – everyone try to catch up
• or slow as molasses half court -everyone stand around looking at each other.

Neither was conducive to OKC finding an offensive flow or rhythm.

LA back-to-back wins showcased OKC growing chemistry:

Arguably the ease with which the team scored points to precisely how the chemistry is growing. Earlier in the season the team seemed to struggle from the minute they inbounded the ball. Now the squad looks different from that very same in bound. Previously they looked stilted or forced, but now they move in concert up the floor.

With Carmelo Anthony accepting more of a spot and shoot role and Russell Westbrook taking far less perimeter shots it arguably seems to have unleashed the offense.  Most importantly, Paul George is finally looking comfortable. Previously he spent far too much time watching or setting screens. Now he is in perpetual motion which has defenses having to worry whether Westbrook will pass off to him to be the playmaker. Furthermore, George is equally adept at driving, shooting or play making. Within the context of this new movement George has defenses guessing and for the first time all season he resembles the player the OKC Thunder expected when they traded for him.

OK3 chemistry grew from role definition:

And, the team is successfully functioning versus different defenses and stylistic matchups. Versus the Lakers the Thunder dealt with youthful length, pace and an open perimeter. This translated into 14 made perimeter shots from 30 attempts for a 46.7 percent accuracy. The OK3 were all highly efficient functioning in their specific roles with each scoring 20 or more points.

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Anthony scored 21 points on 8 of 14 shots (57.1%)

George scored 24 points on 9 of 14 shots (64.3%)

Westbrook scored 20 points on 10 of 17 shots (58.8%)

Versus the Clippers the Thunder had to deal with the size and interior prowess of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin. In this outing the OK3 were even more successful

• Anthony scored 22 points on 9 of 12 shots (75.0%)
• George scored 31 points on 12 of 16 shots (75.0%)
• Westbrook scored 29 points on 11 of 24 shots (45.8%)

Granted there are still kinks to work out in the offense and there needs to be a larger sample size showcasing consistency. Additionally, the initial success of utilizing Terrance Ferguson along with what appears to be shortened bench of Patrick Patterson, Raymond Felton, Jerami Grant and Josh Huestis  need to demonstrated progress. If there is one message for Donovan it’s that the OK3 are well on their way, but if he wants the bench to be a factor he must stop tweaking. Other than specific matchups he also has to give those four players (with potentially Alex Abrines in the mix) consistent playing time so they too can develop chemistry.

Still, this new found offensive efficiency and chemistry of the OK3 sure is a delightful progression. Now it’s all about gaining experience and building a portfolio of wins with an equal balance on both sides of the floor.

Thunder make statement in LA showcasing improving offensive chemistry