Game Preview: OKC Thunder seek second win over Atlanta Hawks to rekindle win-streak
Performance in the paint:
The Hawks rank No. 3 in the league in percentage of points in the paint with 47.6 percent. In their most recent loss hosting the Bucks, Atlanta out rebounded 18-8 offensively and 36-31 defensively.
Therefore the OKC Thunder performance in the paint will be important tonight. Defensive aggression underneath could alter the Hawks’ performance in the paint and hinder second-chance opportunities. The Hawks are No. 7 in the league for second chance points averaging 14.1 per game.
With Nerlens Noel still assumed to be out, OKC will have to redirect, maybe with more minutes out of Patterson to aide Steven Adams underneath.
This also brings up a discussion on the utilization of Adams recently. Brayden Koch wrote:
"Too often we have seen the big man score 10 points in the first quarter and then not touch the ball the rest of the game. While this is partially due to the evolution of modern day basketball, it brings up a logical question. Why settle for contested jumpers when you have a reliable big man under the basket?"
Facilitating more offense through Adams in the second half would improve opportunities for second chance points (OKC sits at No. 4 averaging 15.1) and just easier points in general. However, OKC has been hot from the three-point line recently, so it will be interesting to see if Billy Donovan can make the right adjustment if that does not continue tonight.
Bench performance:
The OKC Thunder bench played a vital role in our most recent win. We’ve seen big numbers out of usually quiet players like Patrick Patterson and Abdel Nader (in place of Alex Abrines). Patterson was a big part of OKC’s redemption over the Spurs as he seems to finally have his shot back.
Over the three-game losing streak mentioned before, the bench averaged 24.7 points (including a mere 28 points with two over-times in San Antonio). However, in the bounce-back win in the ‘Peake, the bench put up an impressive 48 points off double-digit performances from Nader, Patterson, and Schroder.
Abdel Nader has been extremely impressive filling Abrines’ position, averaging 8.2 points and 55.6 percent three-point shooting since his minutes per game began to increase (OKC’s last nine games).
On the other hand, the Hawks have an impressive bench of their own. They sit at No. 7 in the league averaging 42.6 points from the bench per game. Maintaining control of the second-string will be crucial, especially if ours can’t put up another 48-point performance.