Alex Abrines – Persist with shooting, the rhythm will come
The most gifted of the three shooters, Alex Abrines has had an uneven start to the year, shooting 33.8 percent overall from distance. Like PG, Abrines has struggled with consistency and has been unable to string together a run of strong shooting performances.
Abrines possesses the following shooting splits:
- 35.3 percent on catch and shoot three’s
- 60 percent on right corner triples
- 16.7 percent on left corner treys
- 34 percent on 3-pointers above the break
The Spaniard is attempting the second most triples on the roster with Oklahoma City giving him the green light to fire away unconsciously. Abrines has shown more confidence in creating his own shot and has landed some of the most difficult triples this season.
With six seconds left in the first quarter against Cleveland, Abrines lands a step-back three over guard Kyle Korver.
Fast forward to the fourth quarter of the same game, the Spaniard lands a step-back 3-pointer over the outstretched arms of guard Jordan Clarkson.
While these are impressive, the most pleasing aspect is Oklahoma City consciously running plays to get him open. In the win over the Pelicans, Schroder screens for Abrines who wraps around the perimeter for an open three off a PG pass.
In OKC’s comeback win over Charlotte, the Spaniard was hot all night long. PG handles the ball then pops a pass to Abrines who utilizes George’s screen to land his fifth try of the night.
In the same game, Donovan runs a beautifully executed out of bounds play. OKC use PG as a decoy to create space and Abrines uses an Adams screen to land a crucial 2-pointer with a minute remaining.
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Oklahoma City is running sets specifically for Abrines and he’s getting every opportunity to land three’s at a higher rate than he is currently. He is a career 38 percent shooter so his numbers are likely to rise but he needs to find the range and hold consistency. Additionally, the Spaniard’s attempts need to rise to six or more as he is OKC’s most gifted shooter.
His shots may not be hitting with consistency right now but I expect him to finish around 38 percent by seasons end. Abrines must keep firing away if the Thunder are to be successful.
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma City has a real shooting problem that needs to be corrected by trade, scheme change or dictating who takes a bulk of the long range shots. The Thunder largely understand who they are – a gritty, defensive-minded squad who lives on loose balls, turnovers and fast break action. OKC’s roster is full of long, athletic bodies and bodes well when enforcing a suffocating defensive game plan.
However, there are times when the Thunder become trigger happy and lose track of themselves. If Oklahoma City is able to implement all three strategies mentioned above, it gives them additional options and the ability to throw different looks at opponent defenses.
As it stands, the Thunder are winning. My only question is as currently constructed, how long will it last?