Thunder in the News: Organization topping midseason rankings
By Tony Heim
The standings might not show it, but the OKC Thunder have had an impressive first half of the season.
Happy Hump Day Thunder Nation! Not only does today mark the midway point of this fine February week, it also marks the last day without OKC Thunder basketball. To celebrate, we’re using today’s In the News to throw out some statistics from the first half of the season that shine a positive light on Oklahoma City. From Russell Westbrook to Steven Adams to us fans, there’s a tidbit for everyone.
Steven Adams makes news for his on-court performance too
Of course Adams’ social media shenanigans took away from the true story from yesterday’s news cycle. NBA Stats recently released their ‘box out’ metrics – as we already knew it highlighted just how valuable The Big Kiwi is to OKC’s rebounding numbers. Adams closest counterpart, Thunder center in-spirit Enes Kanter, is an incredible 102 box-outs behind him.
The large discrepancy paints the picture to the larger NBA audience that the 24-year old is one of the best rebounders in the League. Not because of his personal numbers, but because of what he provides to his team.
A little late to the party on this one since it was launched last week, but with https://t.co/7cSphzZnoi's new hustle stats for Box Outs, add another measurable feather to Steven Adams's cap. Adams has 95 more box outs than second-place Enes Kanter: https://t.co/2WUNh4when pic.twitter.com/Owwo9Vpc50
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) February 20, 2018
Russ’ season is quietly going under-the-radar
This is something even I’m still trying to grapple with. How is the reigning MVP recording the third best season of anybody in the NBA according to advanced metrics? When you consider just how incredible last season was, however, it makes more sense.
Russ was other-wordly last season. He hit shots that simply didn’t make sense going in, something that has naturally regressed this season. But that shouldn’t take away from yet another brilliant season from Oklahoma City’s point guard.
"Yet it’s only against the backdrop of last season’s MVP efforts that his year looks remotely disappointing."
Television rankings explain Oklahoma’s loyalty to the Thunder
I’m so proud of this fanbase. All you hear about Oklahoma City is that it isn’t a desirable market, that there’s no reason for free agents to sign there. Well guess what? The fans, combined with the revamped roster, make it a destination city once again.
Not only does Oklahoma City sellout every game, but they also have the third-largest local television rating this season. Our staff writer Alex McEwen gives more details on the Sports Business Daily report if you are so inclined to read about how the OKC Thunder have some of the best fans in the world.
"It is 2018 – superstars no longer need to play in one of the ten largest markets to gain exposure."
Next: Top ten scorers in Thunder's history
That’s it for our final edition of All-Star Break Thunder in the News! Oklahoma City basketball is at our fingertips folks – get through the rest of today so you’ll have something to look forward to when you wake up tomorrow.