The OKC Thunder are fouling at an alarming rate and it’s hurting their chances to win games.
After splitting their back to back set against the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers on the road, the OKC Thunder fouling woes are back in full swing. In the two games against Western Conference foes, Oklahoma City has sent their opponents to the line a whopping 93 times combined.
In this back-to-back the Thunder’s opponents shot a combined 93 free throws (47 by Portland last night, 46 from the Clippers tonight).
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) March 9, 2019
While many will point to poor officiating as the primary cause of the free throw disparity, allowing 93 free throws to two of the leagues top free throw shooting teams will always present its issues. Oklahoma City was able to get out of Portland with a 129-121 victory in overtime despite the Blazers shooting 15 more free throws.
Russell Westbrook was sensational, scoring 37 points on 14-28 shooting to lead OKC home in the extra period.
However, against the Clippers, it was a different story.
OKC lost 118-110 with the Clips attempting a whopping 46 free throws compared to OKC’s 26.
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While the officiating was terrible from start to finish with Russ, Paul George, and Steven Adams fouling out, the Thunder need to do a better job defending without fouling. Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams combined for 30 free throws between them with Westbrook leading the Thunder with eight free throws.
OKC is 27th in the league in personal fouls with 22.8 per game and present opposing teams with 24.9 foul shots per game (26th). The Thunder have an aggressive defensive scheme predicated on smothering defense but it’s prone to committing dumb fouls at crucial junctures in games.
After tonight’s loss, OKC fell to fourth with a 40-26 record and need to correct its fouling problem soon to stop its slide down the standings.