OKC Thunder: Muscala perfection highlights 3 takeaways in victory vs. Spurs

No. 3: ‘Pace and Space’ provides much-needed ball movement that OKC has missed in years past

It is no secret that in previous years the OKC Thunder have failed to produce a consistent brand of basketball. There were always conversations about how ex-Thunder Head Coach Billy Donovan wanted our team to play. Still, Mark Daigneault seems to be more direct than previous coaches when he has been on the record describing his expectations for Thunder basketball.

The squad didn’t let the ball stick at all last night, and as a result, they shot 17 of 31 from 3-point range, shooting a scorching 54 percent from the arc.

Nine different players scored from long range, which should give fans some optimism. The fact that the Thunder coaching staff was vocal about playing this way and coming out and executing the game plan is awe-inspiring, considering all the new pieces we have.

Here is an example of the precise ball movement Thunder fans can expect to see this year:

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The ball movement here is similar to some of the OKC Coaching Staff actions that they tried to use last season. But the glaring issue was the inability to shoot.

Although it is one preseason game, it is essential to note that there is a bevy of players who can make shots from each position now as opposed to previous seasons. Ball movement like this works best when players can catch and shoot at a high rate.

To describe this outcome as a surprise would be an understatement; I thought there would be somewhat of a struggle to find team chemistry.

Still, this team looked well put together; expect Daigneault to only improve upon this game as it will be the cornerstone to the Oklahoma City Thunder having a successful season. The 121-108 victory is a good way to get things started, so now Thunder fans have something to cheer about.