OKC Thunder: Pokusevski growth tops takeaways in loss to Bulls

No. 3: OKC make leaps on defense

The Thunder came out aggressive on the defensive end with an improved effort from their first match against the Bulls.

It’s something the team has prided itself on in the past. They showed strength and tenacity to get seven blocks and seven steals as well as holding the Bulls to 26.8 percent from the three-point line.

In their last encounter, the Bulls pulled down 61 rebounds compared to the Thunder’s 46. This time, the Thunder managed to get 51 rebounds and get within close range to the Bulls who had 56. It wasn’t the best defense, especially in the last quarter, but it’s a positive boost from their previous showcase.

Pokusevski (13 rebounds), Darius Bazley (11 rebounds), and Horford (eight rebounds) were massive contributors on the boards.

Despite the team being more firm on this side of the court, they let the game slip away in the end and it will be about consistently playing with the same force.

The Thunder now look ahead to their first match of the 2020-2021 season against the Houston Rockets on December 23rd.