OKC Thunder: 3 keys to victory versus the Clippers
The OKC Thunder are on a five-game road trip for the second time this season and which finds them in Los Angeles for two games this Friday and Sunday versus the red-hot Clippers squad.
It’s a reunion of sorts as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Paul George each face their former clubs. Although the Thunder have feasted on the road this season (5-2) and own one of the five best road records this trip will test the mettle of the club.
They began in Denver with a loss on Wednesday and after this weekend at Staples will travel to Portland and finish in Phoenix. It’s a tough slog and the club is doing it without Al Horford who has been home with his wife and their new daughter Nova.
Three keys to OKC Thunder gaining victory versus the Clippers
These next two games for the OKC Thunder will present a tough task as they are playing arguably the best ball since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were added in the 2019 offseason.
Currently, on a five-game win streak, only the Jazz (seven in a row) is hotter than the Clippers.
The Clippers will be judged based on how far they get in the postseason. Anything less than reaching the Western Conference Finals will be judged a failure.
After losing a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets they will be under greater scrutiny this year especially since it cost Doc Rivers his job while tweaks were made to add Serge Ibaka in place of Montrezl Harrell.
OKC Thunder key No. 1: Slowing the red hot Clippers offense
While we tend to associate the Clippers as having the best two-way team given their personnel that’s not who they are through the early stages of the season.
LAC ranks first in offensive rating (117.1) ahead of the Bucks and the Nuggets. Surprisingly they are tied with the Warriors in 15th for defense (109. 6).
While personal defensive assignments will be key, the depth of the Clippers requires great focus. Particular attention will need to be paid to the perimeter where the Clippers rank first shooting a robust 44.1 percent on the season. Likewise, being careful with the ball equally vital as LAC rank fifth for points scored off turnovers.
With so many athletes and depth, it’s a bit surprising the Clippers don’t rank higher for points in the paint (28th), second-chance points (11th), or fast break scoring (21st).
Ultimately if the OKC Thunder can defend the perimeter well and not turn the ball over they’ll give themselves the best chance to compete.