3 takeaways following OKC Thunder victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers

Tough Defense

Without Westbrook in the fold, Oklahoma City are nothing more than a mediocre offensive team with an elite defense. The Thunder 1st in steals (11.8), 1st in points off turnovers (23.5),  4th in defensive rating (103.7), 9th in fast-break points (15.5), 9th in blocks (6) and 10th in points allowed per game (108.8). This trend continued last night in Ohio with OKC holding the Cavaliers to 86 points on 37.1 percent shooting and 29 percent from three.

OKC scored 21 points off 20 Cleveland turnovers, nine blocks and forced 13 steals for 13 fast break points. Eight different players had at least one steal with Raymond Felton leading the way with three.

Grant does a tremendous job rotating over after Adams is caught in a Cleveland pick and roll. Tristan Thompson rolls to the rim but is met at the summit by Grant who blocks his shot. The ball goes out of bounds off Thompson and becomes Thunder ball.

On this play, PG does a great job anticipating the entry pass and deflects the ball. Adams tips it to Ferguson who passes it to Schroder on the move for the easy mid-range bucket.

Thunder fans have to show some love to Noel. Since the departure of Serge Ibaka, OKC haven’t had a rim protector and Noel is doing a great job in limited minutes. With Abrines on Kyle Korver ‘s hip, Noel rotates over from the weak side for one of his four blocks.

Until the Brodie returns, OKC’s game will be predicted on defense. Effort, energy and hustle will be the primary driving forces keeping Oklahoma City afloat. The Thunder did a tremendous job contesting shots against the Cavaliers and forcing them into tough makes.