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OKC Thunder look to unsettle the Suns power in the paint

By Shontelle Matano

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on December 20, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on December 20, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
Jevon Carter #4 of the Phoenix Suns v OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Phoenix paint power:

The Phoenix Suns make power moves in the paint. They are top ten for opposition rebound percentage (26.2) and have an adaptable big man in DeAndre Ayton.

They scored 62 points in the paint against the Mavericks who recently defeated the OKC Thunder. So the Thunder will need to limit the scoring in this area. If they do, this will be helpful as they’ll have an extra source of offense if their perimeter shots aren’t falling.

OKC is fully equipped to achieve this with defensive specialists across the roster.

OKC Thunder defense:

Following on from the Suns power in the paint, the OKC Thunder is the better defensive team. There’s something about their young players that makes them so consistent and willing on defense.

The team can counterattack as shown against the Kings when OKC snatched nine team steals, five blocks, and 55 rebounds.

This will be key as it gives the OKC Thunder the edge with their length and puts pressure on the Suns’ guards Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio.

OKC Thunder versatility:

OKC has an array of scorers and facilitators. This became more apparent when rookie Luguentz Dort scored a career-high 23 points, five 3-pointers and added a steal and block.

It’s all about getting into the right tempo so when players aren’t having the best start, they find other ways to contribute. Whether it’s firing out dimes or helping to get stops. It all plays a factor in who wins the game.

This is key in this match because OKC has options that can prove to be very difficult for the opposition to adjust to.

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