Gameday preview: OKC Thunder forage for revenge against Spurs after double-OT thriller

OKC must convert free throws

Earlier this week TI examined the Thunder’s atrocious free throw shooting. Since the piece was published, the Thunder’s free throw troubles have continued. In 81 percent of Oklahoma City’s losses, they have missed equally as many or more foul shots.

OKC shot 12-18 at the charity stripe in regulation against the Spurs. Had Oklahoma City simply shot league average on their free throws they would have won the game in regulation, no extra period required.

Moreover, a trio of Thunder players Westbrook, Grant, and Adams are currently shooting 293-482 (60.8) percent from the charity stripe. The San Antonio Spurs as a team are shooting 784-953 82.3 percent.

Therefore, the Spurs have missed 169 free throws as a team this season, whereas the above referenced Thunder trio has missed 189 foul shots. Based on these metrics the Spurs will have the upper hand on Oklahoma City once again this evening.

Death by perimeter

The Spurs currently possess the best 3-point percentage in the NBA at 40.5 percent, yet they attempt the fewest threes per game at 24.2. This is all by design, versus the Thunder on Thursday night, the brilliant strategy was in full effect. San Antonio became the first team in the last 20 seasons to go a perfect 10-10 in the first half, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

Furthermore, it’s unlikely the Spurs can replicate their success from Thursday because such shooting had never occurred before. However, San Antonio is more than capable of shooting 48 percent or better from beyond the arc.

In the 10 games, they have shot over 48 percent from distance San Antonio is 9-1 this season. Since January 1, the Thunder are allowing 36.6 percent accuracy from the beyond the arc. If OKC is going to inflict revenge this evening they must get back to their top-five perimeter defensive identity.

Regain third-quarter dominance

Going into their Christmas Day Matinee with the Rockets, the Thunder possessed the best plus-minus in the third quarter at plus-112. Since Christmas, the Thunder have been outscored in the third frame 240-273.

Up until December 25, the Thunder came out of halftime crisp, composed, and ready to strike. Recently the team has appeared lackadaisical and lethargic in the third. Oklahoma City needs to get back to their bread and butter in the third quarter, or they will find themselves in a lot of toss-up games going into the fourth. If, they are even within striking distance at all.