OKC Thunder – Atlanta game preview: Dennis Schroder seeks revenge and Trae Young returns home
By Alex Mcewen
Continue to dominate the third-quarter
According to NBA.com/Stats the OKC Thunder have outscored their opponents by a total of 120-points overall. However, breaking it down quarter-by-quarter the Thunder are clearly superior in one period each contest — the third quarter.
In the first 20 games, this season Oklahoma City has outscored their opposition by 84 points in the third which is the best mark in the NBA. The East and League-leading Toronto Raptors rank second, with a mark of plus +20 in the third quarter.
Last season through 20 contests, the Thunder were minus-35 in the third. Therefore, OKC’s dominance in the third frame has been vital in helping the club build their 7-3 record over the last 10 games.
Conversely, the Hawks are the worst third-quarter team in the NBA. As they have been outscored by a whopping 137 points in their first 22 games in the third period. Based on those metrics, the match could get unsightly inside the Peake for the Hawks this evening.
Score over 100, hold Atlanta under 120
The Thunder are not the best offensive team in the NBA. In fact, Oklahoma City ranks 14th in points per game at 110.4. In games OKC has scored 100 or more, their record is 11-3. In six contests where OKC has scored 120 or above their record is 6-1.
Shifting to the Atlanta side of the equation, the Hawks are undefeated this season when they score 120 or more. Therefore, if OKC does not allow Atlanta to go wild offensively this match should be decided before the fourth and final frame begins.
The Dennis Schroder Theory
The theory in question pertains to games where the German guard scores 20 or more points. Schroder has posted 20 or more on seven occasions during his 2018-19 campaign. In those seven games, the Thunder possesses a record of 6-1.
Since opening night, OKC has not lost when Schroder scores above 20 points. Despite the fact, Dennis is in a better situation in Oklahoma City vs. a rebuilding process in Atlanta, tonight is still considered a revenge game. Expect the Menace to post at least 20 points against his former ball club.