Gameday Preview: OKC Thunder close out home stand against top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks
By Alex Mcewen
The OKC Thunder aim to close out their homestand on a five-game win streak. However, the Greek Freak and his Bucks are seeking their seventh consecutive victory.
Despite a sloppy finish, the OKC Thunder defeated the Pelicans 122-116 on Thursday evening inside Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Pelicans were severally undermanned as Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic, E’Twaun Moore, and Julius Randle did not play.
Be that as it may, a win is a win in the rugged Western Conference. Given how the Thunder has struggled against second-tier squads as of late a victory was not guaranteed, regardless of the Pelicans in uniform. The match also provided some intriguing and encouraging statistics.
Foremost, all five Thunder starters attempted 12 or more field goal attempts. That is the second time that feat has occurred this season, however, the first was in double OT vs. the Spurs. Prior to the San Antonio game, the Thunder did not record a single game where all five starters attempted 12 or more shots dating back to the 2013-14 season.
Sticking with the theme of getting multiple players involved the Thunder had six players score in double figures for the 15th time this season. During the entire 2017-18 campaign the Thunder had six player score in double digits in a seldom eight contests.
Russell Westbrook also notched his league-leading 15th triple-double. It was not an average triple-double, Russ finished the night with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 16 assists, making it the rare 15, 15, 15 triple-double.
The game marked the sixth time in Westbrook’s he recorded a 15, 15, 15, triple-double, making him the all-time leader. Furthermore, since Westbrook came into the league in 2008-09 all other players combined have posted four 15,15,15 triple-doubles.
Elite Freaks
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Milwaukee Bucks currently possess the NBA’s best record. Taking into account the seasons halfway point has come and passed, the Bucks are clearly no fluke and have established themselves as legitimate contenders.
The Bucks possess the leagues highest winning percentage, second-most wins, and are tied with Nuggets for the best division record. Milwaukee is also tied with the Raptors and Nuggets for the leagues best home record.
Milwaukee’s impressive record did not occur by accident. The Bucks rank first in net rating plus-9.7, defensive rating 103.6, opponents field goal percentage 43.0 percent, and rebounds per game 49.0. Their dominance does not stop there, Milwaukee ranks in the top-five in blocks per game 6.0, assists per game 26.3, field goal percentage 48.0 percent, and points per game 117.4.
Slowing down the Bucks will be a tall task for the Thunder, but there are key area’s to watch, let’s explore them on the next slide.