OKC Thunder fails to play to their defensive identity as they lacked early energy and lose to divisional rival Denver. The five key takeaways tell the full story.
The OKC Thunder looked like a tired squad in the first half of the match and ultimately they played catch up for the rest of the contest and it cost them the game.
With the Nuggets also playing on a back to back the thinking was the OKC Thunder could steal a win at home. But a combination of cold shooting, too many games cramped together in a short period and injuries took their toll.
One word of caution — let’s not put too much emphasis on this loss. There are enough reasons to cite with each on their own being a valid reason for the loss. Rather, the Thunder need to learn from it and use it to their advantage as they move forward in the season.
And, if nothing else the fact a certain superstar was gutted by the loss and felt responsible should tell you –he at least won’t let this loss simply be swept under the rug.
That said, the five key takeaways could easily be summed up with the first note I’ll make, as it’s essentially the only one that truly mattered.
Regardless of the back to back, and the schedule which can easily be cited as the main issue one truth can’t be ignored.
If the OKC Thunder had stuck to their identity and principles in this game they probably get the win. And that plain and simple fact is defense. You can’t win a game solely by just defending — however, it sure will keep you in games when you are colder than a sled dog’s nose on a blustery night.
With that, I give you the five key takeaways from the loss to the Nuggets.