OKC Thunder 5 takeaways: Following 0-3 start, defensive effort and rotation usage are at issue

Over the course of the LA Clippers game and the Kings match I grew hoarse screaming at my screen: run the pick and roll – argh.

With Westbrook back I presumed it would equal additional pick and roll sets. Unfortunately this was not to be as Stevens had all of seven touches – in total. Instead the offense was a barrage of cement laden movement and 39 heaves from deep. Not exactly the sort of fodder an offensive juggernaut is built upon.

Still, there were glimpses of hope. Hamidou Diallo remains a source of inspiration. His energy reminds Thunder Nation why Corey Brewer offered such a swift change last season. Clearly the hope was Terrance Ferguson would provide that spark, but to date he’s failed in that department.

The other revelation came about mostly because Paul George picked up his fifth personal foul prior to the end of the third quarter. This sent PG13 to the bench and coupling that with the fact Alex Abrines was out after taking a shot to the head it meant Billy Donovan had to do something foreign t him — use his bench! Enter Deonte Burton to my abject joy.

In all of seven minutes (gee thanks Billy) Burton accomplished what two starters (Ferguson and Patterson) weren’t able to do in double and triple his minutes. That was to score five points. While Patterson (1-6), Westbrook (1-6), TFerg (0-3) and Grant (0-5) shot 2 for 20 (10 percent) from deep Burton connected on one of his two attempts. Moreover, he immediately upped the energy level forcing a turnover on his first play as he blocked a shot.

I might have rose colored glasses on, but I’ve been ranting about getting Burton more minutes, so can we please free Deonte Burton.

The other area sure to grow (and there were brief glimpses this evening) is the improvement Schroder brings to running the reserve unit. I guess they finally sent Raymond Felton to grab some donuts for the team which he no doubt continued to consume based on his still burgeoning weight.

I slightly joke here, but seriously if I saw Felton force a drive into three opponents again I think my T.V. would be broken. Each time Felton forced up his own shot and didn’t bother to even attempt a lob or run a PNR set with Noel or Grant, or to pass out to his open perimeter men it only served to increase my angst.

Thankfully Schroder’s insertion with the reserves will decrease Felton’s role. And hey, maybe the prospect of losing playing time will spark Felton to get in better shape and he’ll pass the ball when he does play to stay on the floor.