Game Preview: OKC Thunder in search of first win of season host easy Phoenix prey
Billy Donovan
While Billy Donovan isn’t a player, the fourth year coach has emerged as a game to game wild card. An 0-4 start has generated plenty of noise with Thunder fans calling for his job, but Donovan’s job security appears safe thanks to the backing from upper management.
The following questions remain:
- Will fans see any offensive improvement?
- Can Donovan manage his substitutions properly?
The Thunder’s offense is so unbelievably basic that defenses find it easy to defend. Pick and roll and attacking on the break are the only two plays OKC run on a regular basis. If Oklahoma City’s offense is to improve, Donovan must incorporate other elementary plays like horns, pin-downs, double screens and back door cuts to create easier shots. The Thunder must have players in motion to ensure defenses don’t simply clog the lane. Missed shots are one thing, but the lack of creativity rests with the coach.
Aside from the lack of offensive imagination (something Oklahoma City fans have become accustomed to since Scott Brooks), Donovan must improve managing players court time and timing of substitutions. Billy D tends to substitute by the clock and strangely pulls players who are playing well or cooking from the field.
A great example is Patterson. He was aggressive, making shots and playing solid defensively versus the Celtics. The veteran scored seven straight points for OKC through a bevvy of shots (post move into a lay-up, 3-pointer and a step back jumper in the lane). Despite his impressive play, Pat was consequently subbed 30 seconds later (why?).
Donovan must do a better job of coaching this team if its going to start winning ball games. It starts by addressing these two concerns.
Russell Westbrook
Two games into his 2018-19 campaign and Russ has been back to his mercurial best. After an excellent showing against the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook flamed out against a gritty Boston Celtics squad scoring 15 points on 20 shots (5-20 from the field, 0-5 from three, 3-5 free throws).
With Booker doubtful, Phoenix are running a Isaiah Canaan – Josh Jackson back court. Westbrook should have his way with both players as both will struggle to contain the star guard. While Russ continues to play himself back into shape, he has shown no ill effects since returning from knee surgery.
The OKC Thunder need Russ to score the ball. The shooting woes on this squad are real and passing to open shooters from beyond the arc needs to take a back seat unless its PG13, Patterson or Abrines shooting the ball. Westbrook needs to attack the hole and get back to hitting jumpers from the elbow.
If Russ plays aggressively and attacks, it will go a long way to securing the Thunder’s first win of the season.
Steven Adams
The big kiwi has put together a strong season so far averaging 14 points and 12.3 rebounds in 34 minutes while attempting just 10 shots per game. If there is one negative to his impressive stat line its his free throw shooting. Adams is shooting a putrid 50 percent from the line on 6.0 attempts per game.
Adams is a blue collar worker and OKC need him to pound the offensive glass. As I alluded to earlier, Adams is averaging 5.3 offensive boards and will be tasked with dominating Ayton down low. The rookie is a load on the block but the big Kiwi is a beast on the block. Adams moves everyone in the paint not named Boban Marjanovic.
Additionally, the Russ-Adams pick and roll must be run with regularity. Adams is one of the best rollers in the game with tremendous hands. Russ or Dennis Schroder must find a way to get him the ball above the rim.
If OKC are going to find their first win of the season, Adams must be a big piece to the puzzle. The Thunder need to go to him often and early. If they do, the big kiwi will have a big night.