Game Preview: OKC Thunder in search of first win of season host easy Phoenix prey
Dominate Inside
Phoenix is one of the worst defensive teams in the league, allowing 118 points per game (21st) with a defensive rating of 116.8 (28th). The Suns allow 58 paint points per game (27th) with opponents converting at a 49.3 percent rate (29th).
Oklahoma City are 18th overall in paint points (46) but lead the league in offensive rebounding (16.3) and second chance points (23). Adams and Nerlens Noel are averaging 5.3 (3rd) and 2.8 (22nd) offensive rebounds respectively, saving OKC from a number of empty trips and dead possessions.
With Phoenix relying on 21 year-old rookie DeAndre Ayton and 36-year old veteran Tyson Chandler manning the paint, OKC have a clear advantage inside.
Play Consistent Defense
In Oklahoma City’s loss to Boston, OKC’s defense was solid in large stretches. Aside from the nine points in 60 seconds from Horford, the Thunder played the Celtics tough all night long.
This type of effort is going to be required against the Suns.
Phoenix generate 26.8 assists per game (4th) while scoring 104.8 points per contest (26th). While their offense is hardly threatening on the surface, the Suns are converting at a 47.3 percent rate from the field (8th) and 33.9 percent from three (20th).
While OKC possess the 14th best defense in the league (107.7 defensive rating), the Thunder allow teams to shoot 45.3 percent from the field (13th) and 36.8 percent from three (23rd). Phoenix isn’t shy from distance, launching 34.2 attempts from range (8th) per game.
Turnovers and Transition Play
After preaching pace this off-season, Oklahoma City sit 8th in pace 104.25 but rank 17th in fast break points (12.3). The Thunder are also one of the leagues best in takeaways, averaging 8.3 steals per contest (7th). Its an unusual trend given the Thunder are an elite team playing the passing lanes, play with one of the quickest tempo’s but are in the bottom half in fast break points.
OKC could be in for a change of fortunes.
Phoenix are one of the worst teams in the NBA holding the ball and have poor transition defense. The Suns are 29th in turnovers (18.0), allow 22.8 points off turnovers (29th) and give up 26 fast break points per game (30th).
With Oklahoma City one of the NBA’s elite teams in steals combined with Phoenix’s lack of interest in transition defense, the Thunder have an opportunity to dominate early and often.
Fouls and Free Throw Shooting
For the Thunder to be successful this season, OKC need to stop fouling. They average 26.5 fouls per game (28th) and allow opponents to shoot 28.8 freebies per game (28th). Despite possessing a solid defensive unit, great defensive possessions go to waste due to silly fouls that can be avoided.
Strangely, Phoenix are a sub-par free throw shooting team despite possessing one of the best scorers in the NBA. The Suns are only converting at a 74.4 percent rate (18th).
On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma City need to make free throws. They rank sixth overall getting to the stripe (28.8) but are dead last in free throw percentage (64.3). This is especially frustrating since free throws are suppose to be the easiest points in basketball.
If the Thunder cannot find a way to hit free throws consistently, its going to be a long season.