A recent uptick in Terrance Ferguson’s shooting has been just what the doctor ordered for the OKC Thunder and could be key to winning moving forward.
Throughout the first half of this season, and really the past decade, the OKC Thunder has struggled to hit open 3-pointers. Oklahoma City remains dead last in 3-point shooting percentage, but that number is trending upwards with the improvement Terrance Ferguson made this month. And his hot streak couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Thunder enter the second half of the season.
Ferguson’s 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter against Philadelphia was one of four in the game and only a part of what he’s been able to do in the month of January. Since the two-point loss to Minnesota a couple weeks ago, Ferguson has been on fire. He’s hit multiple 3-pointers in each of the past six games and counting, including his 7-for-10 outing in the double-overtime loss to San Antonio. That game came on the heels of going 4-for-4 from deep against Minnesota and set the tone for what was to come.
Since then, Ferguson has kept up the pace. He’s already made more 3-pointers this month than he has each of the past three months combined. He’s made 24 from behind the arc on 49 attempts, moving his 3-point shooting percentage from 30 percent to 37.7 percent on the year.
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Should Ferguson keep it up, he’ll be in prime position with the team moving forward. He’s improving right in front of our eyes, and the team will need him to continue.
Unless Sam Presti makes a move for a shooter, he could be the spot-up shooter the Thunder have been in desperate need of. Since Alex Abrines has been mysteriously M.I.A. recently (and not playing particularly well anyway), it doesn’t look like he’ll be in the plans after this year. Meaning the more shooting Ferguson can provide, the better.
Another piece of good news about Ferguson is his price tag. Still, on his rookie deal, T-Ferg has two guaranteed years with a team option for a third at $4.5 million total. Oklahoma City is already well into the luxury tax, so not shelling out for an added shooter is good.
Terrance Ferguson picks up where he left off and gets things going for the Thunder tonight. Russ with the assist 👌 pic.twitter.com/qFjiwfE1da
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 11, 2019
Whether or not he’s able to maintain his current hot streak, Ferguson will be around a while. His hustle and athleticism alone make him a valuable asset as it is. But hitting shots from beyond the arc for the worst 3-point shooting team in the league is like water and sunlight to a dying plant. Any sign of hot shooting will get attention and increase hope.
First thing’s first, though, the Thunder need to focus on winning this season. Ferguson will continue to hold down the fort as the starting shooting guard and then slide into an important bench role behind Andre Roberson.
Roberson will be a big boost to the Thunder’s defense, but Ferguson’s offensive output will be maximized due to Roberson’s lack of shooting ability. As for now, we hope to see shots continue to fall.