Preview: OKC Thunder look to start new win streak with Suns up first

Dominate the Rebounding Margin

The Thunder have incredible offensive rebounding (13.3 per game) in their arsenal, due in large part to Steven Adams‘ tenacity in the paint. The Nerlens Noel addition has been effective in this department as well. The OKC Thunder still rank under the league average in terms of defensive rebounding (33.9 rebounds per game, 34.7 average), so they will have to make a concerted effort to limit the Suns in this regard.

Phoenix ranks well under the league average in offensive rebounding with 8.3 a game (10.6 average). With these numbers in mind, the Thunder have a +5 rebounding advantage, which should be the focus in stifling any second-chance and fast break opportunities for the Suns.

Since Deandre Ayton is the only reliable defensive rebounder for Phoenix (10.9 rebounds per game), Adams and Noel should have a great night on the boards. Given the OKC Thunder atrocious floor spacing, which currently ranks dead last at 28.8 percent in the league, second-chance points should be a focus that can be easy to come by against this Suns squad.

Feast in the interior

Heading into tonight’s game, the Phoenix Suns ranks last in the NBA in opponents two point percentage (56.9%), despite having a respectable defense at the three point line. Fortunately for the OKC Thunder, their forte relies in overwhelming opponents with their size and their slashing prowess. The Thunder should make a concerted effort to space the floor when possible, but still be careful to take three-point opportunities mainly with solely open looks, given the adaptable Suns’ wing defense.

Regardless, the Thunder’s focus 90 plus percent of the time should be to create mismatches from the perimeter (i.e. Schroder against Ayton or Bender) and take advantage of Phoenix’s porous rim protection. Apart from Ayton, who is prone to defensive lapses as a rookie, no one in the Suns roster is a noteworthy interior defender.

Moving out to the wing, only Trevor Ariza and sophomore Josh Jackson can be capable stoppers. Domination via points in the paint should be fairly straightforward to come by for OKC, given the excellent ability of both George and Schroder to easily slice through defenses like butter.