OKC Thunder record easy win over Kings via True OK3 – 3 key takeaways

The OKC Thunder win versus the Sacramento Kings showcased the true OK3 who were each dominant. Hence, the three key takeaways feature the trio.

After two losses to the upstart Sacramento Kings, the OKC Thunder entered the match in Sacramento knowing it was a must win. Although this was their mindset they arrived short of bodies given the suspension’s handed out to Dennis Schroder and Raymond Felton for leaving the bench during the skirmish while playing the Chicago Bulls at Chesapeake on Monday.

Jerami Grant, fortunately, was on hand although his pockets were a little lighter having been fined $20,000 for his role in the melee.

Clearly, the Kings are not a team to be trifled with as they’ve continued to win. Since teams have completed more than a third of the season’s schedule it’s obvious this Kings squad isn’t simply having a hot stretch. Whether they can win enough to earn a playoff seed is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain, the Kings are no longer in the category of an easy win.

Having lost twice already to Sacramento the Thunder were keenly aware of this fact. Sophomore De’Aaron Fox has grown by leaps and bounds. Fox isn’t just producing statistically he’s already assumed a leadership role on and off the court and his teammates appear happy to follow the young point guard.

Unlike some of the young squads in the Association, the Kings youngsters are functioning at a high caliber and translating their effort into victories. Beyond Fox, the players who’ve taken a step this season are center Wilie Cauley-Stein, and shooting guards Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Each has taken a step upward and with the addition of Iman Shumpert and Nemanja Bjelica, the Kings have found symmetry on court. Sacramento produces the second fastest pace in the NBA making it imperative to have your transition defense at the ready.

With this knowledge in hand, the Thunder arrived with a game plan to capture the victory. Not only were the Thunder successful in their132-113 win over the KIngs they did so with some major accomplishments in the game.

With that, let’s take a look at the three key takeaways from the match.