OKC Thunder are the masters of clutch time

The OKC Thunder enters week ten above .500 for the first time this season with much of their success due to their clutch time closing prowess.

Facing the LA Clippers, for the third time in four games, the OKC Thunder needed to rally from a deficit to collect the victory and rally they did.

The win held more credence for numerous reasons. OKC set historic franchise benchmarks in the 26 and 24 comeback efforts versus the Bulls and Grizzlies. Yet, the 18-point comeback win over the Clippers while not as taxing held a much sweeter taste of victory for the Thunder.

That’s because the win came against a team expected by many to be hoisting Larry O’B come June.

Moreover, it came against a team that features Kawhi Leonard and former OKC Thunder star Paul George. The fact the former was out for load management and the Clippers were playing on a back to back didn’t matter – this victory still falls in the statement win category.

Why?

Because the OKC Thunder wasn’t supposed to even be in the equation. This iteration of the Thunder was pegged to be shackled in the cellar getting blown out by double-digit final scores and serving up lackluster efforts.

Half the team was expected to be gone even prior to the deadline and it was assumed the remaining roster members would slowly be developed to be in a position in a few years to once again be competitive.

The problem with that thinking is someone forgot to tell the players those were the expectations!

OKC Thunder has tons of experience in clutch time:

Instead, this OKC Thunder club can arguably be cited as the most dangerous in clutch time situations having experienced them more than any of their counterparts.

That experience is paying dividends as the Thunder are comfortable being in panic mode and the recent shift to wins in those situations has afforded this roster confidence and belief in themselves.

Teams like the 76ers are undoubtedly envious as they get tight and often choke in similar situations but their talent level doesn’t afford them repeated opportunities to grow and improve under those circumstances.

OKC meanwhile survived the horrendous opening quarter pole schedule and one-third of the way into the season is above .500 for the first time.

In the 14 losses, only five haven’t entered the crucial clutch time moments of the game plus several of the squads’ victories were achieved in the clutch, especially recently.

With these victories, the team has gained confidence which has translated into the team moving the ball and allowing for more than one option to close the game. The clutch closing lineup features the three guards (Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder), Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams. Each has taken a turn at finishing off the games in the clutch.

Clutch Time Statistics:

Looking at the clutch time stats the OKC Thunder is among the leaders:

Points: 10.4 points (rank fifth)

Field goal efficiency: 49. 7 percent (rank first)

3-point efficiency: 38.5 percent (rank fourth)

Net differential: plus 1.9 points (rank fourth)

Offensive rating: 125.1 (rank second) *

Defensive rating: 103.9 (rank 13th)

Net rating: plus 21.2 (rank 4th)

All stats via NBA Stats.