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OKC Thunder: 5 Takeaways following OKC’s victory over the Washington Wizards

By Lawrence George

Dennis Schroder, OKC Thunder (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Dennis Schroder, OKC Thunder (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dennis the Menace

While his shooting stats are rough to begin the season (37.6 percent shooting and 33.3 percent from three), Schroder has really come on in the last five games. The German is averaging 14.8 points, three rebounds and six assists on 45.8 percent shooting and 37.5 percent from three.

His impressive play continued against Washington.

While Schroder posted a nice 16 point, 5 rebound and 6 assist stat line in 27 minutes of play, it was his steady play at key points that made his game impressive. With a minute remaining in the third quarter, the Wiz made a small run to cut OKC’s lead to 19 after trailing by as much as 33 in the quarter. Schroder made two nice plays to close the quarter:

  • A drive to the cup for a three foot lay in on a two for one possession
  • Use of a pick to attack the paint, resulting in free throws

The Thunder have struggled closing quarters when Russ comes out of the game. With Schroder leading the second unit, OKC finally have a good decision maker who possesses strong clock management.

Underrated Defense

When Russ and Schroder shared the floor together, the German was tasked with guarding 6’5, 207 pound Bradley Beal. Despite giving up four inches and 35 pounds, Schroder did a fantastic job contesting his shots. Beal is a stud and bona fide shot maker but Schroder held his own.

Here are two well defended possessions.

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Dennis did a great job rotating over but better offense beat solid defense.

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Again, Schroder did a great job on the contest. The gamble of playing Russ and Schroder together is interesting and is starting to come together with both chipping in defensively.

Schroder the Screener

This was a terrific heads-up play that got my attention. Russ receives the ball in the post and begins to back down Wall. Schroder comes in from the left side of the court and screens Beal for the open PG13 triple.

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These are intelligent team plays. If OKC can get more of these, the offense will increase substantially. Schroder played a terrific game and appears to be comfortable playing within the offense.

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