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Preview: OKC Thunder seek to even series vs. Blazers after historically poor shooting

By Alex Mcewen

Enes Kanter of the Blazers during game against Jerami Grant of OKC Thunder during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
Enes Kanter of the Blazers during game against Jerami Grant of OKC Thunder during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Enes Kanter shoots the ball versus the OKC Thunder (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Slowing down Yes-you-Kanter in Game 2

Two years ago in the Thunder’s opening round series versus the Rockets, coach Donovan was caught on camera stating a now infamous phrase, Can’t play Kanter. On Sunday afternoon, at least for Game 1, Blazers head coach Terry Stotts proved Donovan’s theory wrong.

Kanter was two rebounds shy of posting only the third 20-point 20-rebound game against the Thunder in the post-season. The other two 20/20 games are held by Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, captured during the grit and grind Grizzlies days.

Related Story. Film Room: Game 1 ‘Can play Kanter’ arrives, Lillard feasts, room to improve. light

Heading into Game 2, coach Donovan must make the adjustment and take advantage of Kanter’s defensive deficiencies. It will start with getting Adams the ball more. According to NBA.com/Stats boxscore matchup tool, Adams scored all 17 of his points versus Kanter. Whereas, Kanter only scored 12 of his 20 points versus Adams.

In the fourth quarter, in a game where George could not throw the ball in the ocean. Adams launched only three field goals, scoring two points. If the Thunder does not force the Blazers to limit Kanter’s minutes, OKC will end up losing the series.

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