Thunder In the news: Is Corey Brewer OKC’s lucky charm?

OKC Thunder in the news offers up a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all.

On a day we celebrate leprechauns, shamrocks and all things green the question has to be asked is Corey Brewer the OKC Thunder’s equivalent to lucky charms?

Let’s face it, this scribe wasn’t exactly jumping up and down for joy over his selection as the Thunder’s choice buyout candidate.  Yet, there is no denying his effect on the squad. Fact– the Thunder are 5-2 since his arrival and there is palpable energy when he hits the court.

Not to be the harbinger of bad news, but just as I know leprechauns aren’t real, I also believe Brewer isn’t the sole answer to all the OKC Thunder issues.

Granted, seven games is an extremely small sample size and let me preface this by saying I hope Brewer proves me wrong. But, there is some concerning statistical data which merits exercising caution.

Brewers on-off court effect:

Despite what the eye test appears to show the numbers tell a different story.

In Brewer’s seven games, his on court offensive numbers are strong (111.4). In this same period (of players who also played seven games) only Jerami Grant boasts a higher offensive rating (113.3).

However, in the same period Brewer’s on court defensive rating is 109.1. Notably only Alex Abrines is worse (111.7). Brewer’s on court net differential is plus +2.4.  Remember these latter two ratings as we move on to off court ratings.

When Brewer sits the OKC Thunder offensive rating is 106.7, or 2.4 points less. The squad produces a defensive rating of 96.1 and a net differential of plus 10.6.

What this means is while OKC produces a differential of plus 2.4 points with Brewer, their defense limits squads to 13 points less with him sitting and their net differential is 8.2 points better.

As long as the net differential remains on the positive end of the spectrum this could be a moot point. Yet, it’s worth keeping an eye on these specific areas as the team begin their hellish segment facing 11 consecutive playoff seeds (or those who could finish ninth or tenth in the west).

Brewer’s addition is creating positive effects elsewhere though as the bench seems to be finding a groove. Although, Donovan appears to already utilizing a reduced playoff style lineup.

Streak grows to five in a row:

The aforementioned hellish schedule began last night at the Peake with the Thunder taking down the Clippers. Subsequently, this marked OKC’s fifth consecutive win and their third longest this season.

Tipping off the night good news was flowing with the return of Steven Adams and Paul George, both of whom were questionable. As for the match,  the Thunder flirted with giving us heart palpitations as they fell behind early.

Sinjin Snoop provides the game roundup, player grades and takeaways. Brewer earned high marks for his efforts. And, it’s hard to deny the grade particularly when he led the Thunder in scoring and snared six steals.

"Corey Brewer continued his electric play in an OKC Thunder uniform with another strong performance tonight. He scored a team-high 22 points and snagged a career high 6 (!) steals, showing his impact on both ends of the floor. The energy he brings is infectious and I can’t believe I am saying this, but I am glad he is on this roster."

Saturday games will impact playoff ladder:

Perhaps the most important aspect of the win is OKC move within 1.5 games of the Blazers and a full game up on the Wolves. Games this evening will have a direct effect on the west standings.

Specifically, every western seeded team plus the Nuggets are in action. Of these, the games to focus on are Portland versus Detroit, Minnesota versus San Antonio and Houston versus New Orleans.

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Thunder fans should be pulling for victories by Detroit, San Antonio and Houston.

If this occurs the Thunder will move a half game up on Portland while simultaneously distancing themselves another half game up on the Wolves and Pelicans or 1.5 and 2 games respectively.

As outlined in the stretch run deep dive there are specific teams who Thunder fans should pull for over others. Those teams would be ones OKC hold the tiebreaker against (Jazz, Clippers) can tie (Nuggets) or series they lead (Spurs).

That brings OKC Thunder In the news to a close. Although the OKC Thunder aren’t active this evening keep an eye on the above teams who’ll affect the seeding.  And, of course make sure to bookmark Thunderous Intentions and visit us daily  to catch the latest on your favorite team.

Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day Thunder Nation!