OKC Thunder season opener part deux: 3 keys vs. Hornets

Can OKC Thunder win the pace battle and stop the transition?

While this is the season opener for the OKC Thunder it’s the second match the Hornets are playing but represents their home opener.

Although the Hornets offer much more constancy in their rotation Mitch Kupchak did make some major roster adjustments this past offseason. Hayward was the most notable, but the most popular was undoubtedly the selection of LaMelo Ball in the draft. His playmaking skills are second to none already on par with the best in the biz.

This will present a defensive matchup for whoever has the assignment to be cognizant of the lanes and leak outs. LaMelo hasn’t been shooting the ball great but he’s already served up some top 10 worthy dimes with just a few preseason and one regular game into the season.

The Hornets are a young athletic squad that features the dynamic backcourt of Devonte Graham and Rozier and is augmented by the athletic Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington. Charlotte will look to push the pace. get out in transition and get up as many perimeter shots as possible They attempted 44 against Cleveland in the opener.

Similarly, the Thunder have precisely the same goal of pushing pace so this could easily turn into a track meet if neither side is capable of excelling at transition defense.

The glass could have a profound effect in this regard as both teams will look to turn defensive boards into getting out in transition and we should expect to see Charlotte trying to inbound quickly with the same objective in mind.

Notably, Cody Zeller broke his hand in the match versus Cleveland which will impact their club but Bismack Biyombo, Hayward and Washington are all very adept on the glass.