Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

5 takeaways from OKC Thunder brutal Game 3 loss

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 11: Coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks with his team before halftime during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 11: Coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks with his team before halftime during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
SACRAMENTO, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Paul George /

OK3 need to show up:

Diving into the numbers the starting unit and the big three stars have reason to look in the mirror. The starting unit has the sixth worst differential of all the playoff lineups with a minimum of 20 minutes on court. The five lineups who are worse include two Heat lineups, and the starters for the Rockets (shocker), Spurs and Wizards.

This group is producing a negative -5.6 differential. Much of this can be pinpointed on the fourth quarter where the OK3 in particular aren’t getting it done.  Case in point the OKC Thunder fourth quarter lineup of Adams, Anthony, George, Felton and Westbrook is producing the worst offense in the postseason and a net differential of -61.5 (yikes).

The good news is this is an extremely small sample size and one good game can completely switch the narrative.

Look in mirror:

The three stars however, must take a long hard look in the mirror. Each of these men are making millions of dollars which comes with specific responsibilities. For Westbrook, George and Anthony to produce nine cumulative points in the fourth quarters of the past two games is unacceptable.

Part of this falls on the coach in terms of Donovan creating an offense or designing sets which would allow his Big 3 to excel. And, part of this falls on the OK3. The time has come for them to demonstrate why they earn the big money.

I know many have jumped on Westbrook as being the problem, but as Alex Mcewen points out the Rubio triple-double in Game 3 witnessed the point guard scoring or assisting on 53 percent of the Jazz scores.

"Rubio’s triple-double is not the only way Rubio hurt Oklahoma City in Game 3. He scored or assisted on 50 of Utah’s 94 points while he was on the court. Westbrook scored or assisted on 37 of the Thunder’s 67 points while he was on the floor."

In contrast Westbrook did so on 55 percent of the Thunder’s scoring plays. So, while fingers are pointing at Russ and he’s taking it on his back, it’s time George and Anthony also assume responsibility and deliver.

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