OKC Thunder beyond the numbers: Patrick Patterson

Patterson’s low degree contributions could add up to big numbers for the team collectively if his minutes allow it.

The Bulls had their biggest lead at 11-5 at the beginning of the first quarter on Dec. 17, but OKC turned it on to grab the lead and run with it for the remainder of the game. OKC Thunder had a 24-point lead, and off another forced turnover by Nerlens Noel, Westbrook set up Patterson for the fourth notch on his dunk belt (fast-forward to 8:04 in the video below to witness the beautiful transition).

The dunk wasn’t the nail in Chicago’s coffin, nor was it the highlight of the game. However, it was just more proof of the silent, lurking talent of Patterson. It was his only points in the game, but he ended the night with a +7 player impact estimate.

All in all, the numbers do not say much. But the quiet improvements and the thunderous dunks for Patterson are testament to the potential he adds as a bench player with his energy, defense, and beyond.

He hasn’t been given consistent opportunities this season to build rhythm, nor has he been given much clutch time opportunity to make an impact there. Why?

Well, when players like Paul George, Steven Adams, and even Nerlens Noel are his competition for

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minutes it’s no surprise he is averaging just above a quarter’s worth of minutes per game. But, as the winter months ensue, I look forward to the impact Patterson will make beyond the statistical numbers.

He may not be of ‘secret weapon’ quality, but man, he sure is fun to watch and his dunks really get the bench riled up. And, I can confidently say he deserves more minutes with more clutch-time opportunities to make his impact more evident.

I’m going to predict that Patterson’s average of 3.9 points per game will climb to, let’s say… 5.4 points per game by the end of January, and I’ll say he’s got two more dunks coming for us in January.

What do you think? Thunder up the comment section below!