Today marks the mid-way point of the OKC Thunder current five-game road trip. Once again, they’ll lace up the kicks to play the LA Clippers as the squad did Friday. The Clippers won that game 120-106.
While Kawhi and Co. were the heavy favorites aside from the opening frame the Thunder were competitive but unable to erase the double-digit lead.
Until this trip, the road had offered a friendly environment for Mark Daigneault and his squad who accumulated a 5-1 record. The initial five-game trip was predominantly on the opposite coast but this trip is concentrated in the West.
As TI noted previously an extremely successful result from this trip would be gaining two or three victories. That goal seems highly unlikely after back-to-back losses.
Timing is playing a factor on this trip and at least initially working against the Thunder. For example, the Nuggets struggled to start the season (1-4) but have rediscovered their chemistry amassing an 8-3 record since. Likewise, the Clippers are on a six-game win streak.
The best opportunity in terms of timing is the final two games of the trip which feature the Blazers and Suns. Portland is dealing with key injuries and will also play today while the Suns are reeling. Phoenix charged out of the gate collecting a 6-2 record but are 2-5 through their last seven games.
First, the Thunder must deal with the matter at hand. To that end let’s dive into the particulars.
Three keys to OKC Thunder match versus the Clippers
While losing is never fun there were palpable lessons learned from the Friday match that can be carried forward to this matinee game.
At the top of that list is applying a consistent effort and intensity throughout all 48 minutes. In reflection of Friday’s loss, the game was essentially over mid-way through the first quarter.
The Clippers built a ten point edge in the initial five minutes which ballooned to a 17 point edge (8-25) by the 4:30 mark. Despite never giving up that steep margin was far too great for the Thunder to overcome.
OKC won the middle frames and scored one-point less in the fourth. While Intentions can point to the no-quit nature of the Thunder, realistically it’s also fair to say the Clippers likely also took their foot off the gas a bit with such a large lead.
OKC Thunder key no. 1 – Jump on Clippers from the tip
In addition to a consistent effort, the key frame is clearing the first quarter. The worst loss by the Clippers this season came at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks who jumped on the Clippers right from the opening tip.
Dallas led by a remarkable 50 points at the half in that December 27th game. The Mavericks won the opening frame 36 to 13 and the second quarter 41-14.
Notably, that match took place in the afternoon as well. The 3:30 start time meant a 12:30 start in the West.
No doubt, Clippers head coach Tyronne Lue will be reminding his squad about that game prior to today’s match so the Thunder can’t simply expect Kawhi and co. to not be prepared.
Regardless, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needs to lead the charge and have his teammates ready to exert pressure from that opening tip.