OKC Thunder Sunday Social: Putting a bow on the preseason

OKC Thunder Sunday Social looks back on the final two preseason games and other happenings around the NBA, including PG’s take on the Butler fallout.

Yet again, the NBA preseason was all over the place, as some teams played as many as six games, while others played as few as four. This has been a common theme over the past few years. The last time a team played two fewer games was during the 2014-15 preseason. Whereas, this season eight teams played two fewer games than three other squads.

The disparity in the number of preseason games each team plays is getting better, but the preseason schedule is far from perfect and the NBA has several more tweaks to make before it is. With that, the OKC Thunder played their final two preseason games against the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks.

OKC Thunder vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Thunder took a road trip to Tulsa, to play their annual preseason game inside the BOK Center. It is a nice tradition the team has upheld for several years. Playing a preseason game in Tulsa allows fans the opportunity to see the Thunder play live, who otherwise may not see Oklahoma City hit the hardwood in person.

Alex Abrines‘ defense seemed to improve during the playoffs, as he registered a positive net rating of plus-12.8. The trend continued in his three preseason games, as Abrines posted a plus-22.8 net rating in 54 minutes played.

A salute to Melo?

Paul George did not shoot a lot of mid-range jumpers during the preseason, he shot 15 to be exact. However, this one, in particular, looked reminiscent of Hoodie Melo himself. PG secured the rebound, dribbled down the court, and pulled up for the mid-range J.

The lone question from this play is, if Melo saw PG’s highlight on his social media feed, did he text his former teammate?

Defensive Dennis

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1049038670681001984

Like Abrines Dennis Schröder is not an elite defender, neither player will ever be elite defensively. Yet, part of becoming a better player is evolving, perhaps Schröder can someday evolve into an average defender.

OKC Thunder head coach Russell Westbrook

Last season Warriors head coach Steve Kerr took harsh criticism because he let his players draw up plays in the fourth quarter during a contest against the Suns. Russell Westbrook got to do the same against the Hawks in Tulsa, no critics sounded off. Maybe pundits have numbed to the idea, or it went unnoticed because it was a preseason game.

That’s final, from Tulsa

The Thunder went to Tulsa and handled the Hawks, although it was only preseason it was a positive sign. Due to, Oklahoma City struggling against inferior opponents throughout the entire 2017-18 season. Hopefully, the Thunder’s performance against Atlanta is a sign of things to come in the regular season.