OKC Thunder: National and TI editor power rankings week 8 – hot takes in top tier

Before you ask – of course, I’m biased! Still, this is a fair placement of a squad who went 14-4 after their 0-4 start, won in spite of missing their best player (Russell Westbrook) for 8 games and without their best defender (Andre Roberson).

Recognizing I’ve not rewarded some teams based on their strength of schedule the clear difference here is the Thunder are in possession of the NBA’s top rated defense.

The loss to the Bulls while disappointing was still within reach and came following a tough match in Brooklyn and the third game in five nights.

There are other factors contributing to the Thunder ranking third. They are one of six teams with both a home and road record above .500. (Raptors, Celtics, Nuggets, Pacers and Kings).

Diving deeper into why the OKC Thunder rank third let’s examine some stats:

• First in points scored off turnovers (21.6 per game)
• Rank second in second chance scoring (16.0)
• Sixth in points in paint scoring (52.4)
• Fifth (now fourth) in perimeter defense
• Eighth in opponent field goal percent
• Rank third for total rebounds (48.5)
• Tied for first in offensive rebounds (12.8)
• First in steals (10.4)

OKC Thunder:

Offensive Rating: 18th
Defensive Rating: 1st
Net Differential: 4th

Points per game: 111.1 (12th)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 45.1 percent (21st)
Opponent points per game: 104.4 (5th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 44.4 percent (8th)

3-point efficiency: 31.7  percent (28th)
Opponent 3-point efficiency: 32.8 percent (5th)

Record:  second in WC
Home: 9-3
Road: 7-5
Back to back sets: 3

Versus the West: 7-6

Versus the East: 9-2
Week eight 2-1:  Wins @ Pistons, @Nets, lost @Bulls
On tap for week 9: Jazz, @Pelicans, B2B – @Nuggets, Clippers