OKC Thunder preview: focus on defensive identity is key to defeating 76ers

Losers of five of their past six games the OKC Thunder are desperate to rediscover their defensive identity in Philly. Gameday breaks down the keys to victory.

In almost an exact replica of last season’s first match between the OKC Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers the teams meet but in reversed positions. On December 15, 2017, of last season, the Thunder arrived in Philly beginning to click. They had won five of seven and including the win in Philly went on a 9-2 run through their next 11 games.

Conversely, the Sixers arrived having lost five of their last seven games. Then lost to the Thunder in triple overtime, kick starting a five-game losing streak.

Flash forward to the first meeting between the teams this season and note the similarities of the flipped situations.

OKC arrive having lost five out of their last six games and their previously top-ranked defense has given up an average of 133.8 points per game in those five losses. Granted two of those matches required overtime, yet removing the overtime frames still leaves a gaudy opposing 128.0 points per game eyesore.

Conversely, the 76ers are on a 10-4 run averaging 123.7 points per game against their competition in the 10 wins. Philly’s big three have meshed in spite of whispers new Sixer Jimmy Butler isn’t necessarily happy with his touches. Just in the last two games, Philly has dished 78 assists of which the big three accounted for 40.

Incredibly, the OKC Thunder are still clinging to third place in the Western Conference but have no room for error. Six teams are either even (Blazers) or trail by one (Rockets, Spurs) or two points (Clippers, Lakers, and Jazz).