Game Preview: OKC Thunder looks to coup d’etat the Kings
Better minutes out of rookies and the bench:
Though the Suns seemed like easy competition, the game was a worthy preliminary game to prepare the OKC Thunder for facing the Kings under these circumstances. As of now, the situation won’t have changed much, with Westbrook out, and Abrines and Ferguson expected to be out as well.
With the predicament, we saw a new addition to the starting lineup: Hamidou Diallo. Though many fans have been requesting this change for a long time coming, Diallo seemed to face the same fate as Ferguson earlier this season. Diallo‘s contributions diminished to one point, one assist, and four rebounds with 19 minutes on the night (the only starter not to make double-digits). If Diallo‘s confidence can return, not succumbing to the pressure of a starting position, I think he will be a big factor in tonight’s game. His passionate demeanor could make up for Westbrook‘s fiery energy on the court.
Additionally, the bench has to do better to make up for the absences of three key players. Saturday night, the bench combined for 22 of the team’s total points, with 12 coming from one player, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. Maybe this can be attributed to Adams and George just having a hot night, but facing the Kings has to be an overall team effort.
Three-point shooting:
In their first match-up, OKC Thunder shot a dismal 23.1 percent (9/39) behind the arc, while the Kings shot 45.5 percent (10 of 22). Saturday night OKC nearly doubled theirs, shooting 41.4 percent, sinking 12 of their 29 threes.
It is an area that would be questionable with Westbrook and Abrines out. If George stays hot like he was versus the Suns, it would compensate for the team being down three shooters.
On the other hand, the Kings are coming off a loss from the Heat, where they still maintained a 40+ percentage, sinking 20 of their 47 treys. Defensively, its a statistic to not take lightly. OKC allowed 34 points in the first, second, and fourth quarter of their first meeting. Running them off the three-point line could be a make-or-break strategy in tonight’s game. That is, of course, if we can get our own to fall.
The OKC Thunder boast the fourth best perimeter defense holding squads to 32.8 percent.
Defensive impact:
Our defensive improvement is an enlightening progression OKC has made 15 games in. The team ranks first in offensive rebounding with 32.8, and sixth in overall rebound percentage with 51.9.
Saturday night, OKC clinched 52 rebounds while allowing the Suns only 31. Continuing to capitalize on rebounding and opportunities for second-chance points is a strategic move as the team quietly moves towards the top spot in the Western Conference.
With the opportunity of more minutes for Nerlens Noel in the upcoming games, it’s easy to think this statistic will continue to rise.
Our rise to second-best in overall Defensive Ratings with an average of 102.9 points allowed is also an exciting statistic with regards to a redemption win on the horizon.
One key for the Thunder will be running the Kings off the line while simultaneously slowing Sacramento. The Kings behind speedster De’Aaron Fox run the second fastest pace in the Association (106.25).