3 reasons why the OKC Thunder are struggling since All-Star break and its highly offensive
Perimeter shooting has nose-dived
Prior to the All-Star break, Oklahoma City was one of the hottest shooting teams in the league. After sitting dead last in shooting percentage and 3-point percentage, OKC climbed rapidly thanks to a hot 20 game stretch.
OKC were 15th overall (46.2) and 13th in 3-point percentage (35.2) prior to the All-Star break. pic.twitter.com/3PAMtTm4Bd
— Lord Presti (@Mhat1G) March 23, 2019
Post-All Star break and OKC has reverted back to its early season form sitting in the bottom five across all shooting categories.
Since the AS Break, OKC's shooting percentages have nose-dived to 30th in field goal percentage (42.5) and 25th in 3-point percentage (33.2). pic.twitter.com/fgiBeEeAX4
— Lord Presti (@Mhat1G) March 23, 2019
With the struggles of Paul George and Dennis Schroder, it’s not surprising the Thunder’s overall shooting percentages have taken a dive. What is concerning is just how much they have fallen.
Russell Westbrook was the beneficiary of much blame by OKC’s fans for his shooting with many believing he is beginning to regress. However, since AS break, the Brodie is averaging 27.8 points on 45.6 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three.
Oklahoma City must be better at shooting from the floor. When its offense is functioning at an optimal level, they are a dangerous squad to contain and must convert open looks when they present themselves.
Final Thought
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Contrary to what some fans believe, OKC’s struggles are directly correlated to its play on the offensive end. The Thunder are third overall in defensive efficiency (105.4) and has played reasonably well since the AS Break (108.1 – 10th). Oklahoma City’s worst defensive months came in January and February where the team was bleeding points but were able to overcome these struggles with its high octane offense.
If OKC can get back to its impressive two-month January-February stretch, the team has nothing to worry about. Its defense is still one of the best in the league and the Thunder need to beat teams based off its stifling defense.
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For now, though, the issues are on the offensive end and with only nine games remaining, the team needs to get itself together before the playoff season begins.