Examining the OKC Thunder and their most fatal flaw: poor foul shooting
By Alex Mcewen
The OKC Thunder are clawing for a playoff berth. Once in their fatal flaw could derail them. Perhaps even preventing them from reaching the postseason.
The OKC Thunder at times can be one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Oklahoma City can also be one of the most aggravating teams. Brilliance and chaotic is a fine line in sports, the OKC Thunder has no middle ground.
Between reckless play, an over abundance of perimeter shots, their system or lack there of, questionable effort, or even sketchy depth. You can take your pick of what you believe the Thunder’s fatal flaw is. This scribe believes Oklahoma City’s most fatal flaw is something that should be one of their greatest strengths.
Foul shooting
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The OKC Thunder attempt the seventh most free throws per game (23.5), yet the shoot the second worst percentage (71.1%). Which by far the worst free throw percentage amongst the six teams vying for playoff positioning in the West.
The next closest is the New Orleans Pelicans who rank 16th in free throw percentage (77.1%). Free throws should be a teams most reliable source of offense. When teams go to foul line points should follow suit.
Some missed foul shots are acceptable, granted it’s unrealistic to expect to shoot 100% from any area on the court including the charity stripe.
However the OKC Thunder have missed 10 or more free throws on 14 different occasions this season. OKC has also had 9 separate occasions where they have missed nine free throws.
For comparison the San Antonio Spurs only have three games this season in which they have missed 10 or more free throws. The Portland Trail Blazers and Pelicans have the second most games with 10 or more missed free throws behind Oklahoma City with four such games apiece.
*Free Throw stats are for games played through March 22nd 2018.
Furthermore as of now missed free throws have not been too terribly costly for the Thunder as they have gone 11-3 in games they’ve missed 10 or more foul shots. Their record is 14-7 if you include the nine foul shots missed games.
The OKC Thunder learned the hard way in Boston on Tuesday night just how vital free throws can be in a game. As they missed four vital free throws in the final minute of play. Resulting in a one-point defeat.
Let’s hope they remember when the same situation presents itself in the postseason.
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That’s it for me today Thunder Nation, enjoy your weekend. Be sure to check out my game day preview tomorrow as the Thunder host the Blazers.