OKC Thunder: 3 keys to defeating shorthanded Spurs

OKC Thunder key number 2:  Spurs statistical weaknesses and strengths

A few areas stand out for the Spurs that the Thunder will need to be cognizant of regardless of who suits up.

First and foremost, the Spurs don’t turn over the ball. They rank first in the association with the fewest turnovers per game. Subsequently, they also rank first for the fewest opponent points scored off turnovers (13.7).

Unlike the Spurs teams of the past, one of the biggest changes of this Spurs iteration is the increased pace. They rank ninth in pace and 11th for scoring in the fast break (13.5). OKC will need to be dialed in on transition defense. Especially with so many Spurs youngsters playing tonight – look for Pops to get his team out running.

As it is the Spurs get up the most shots of the 30 NBA teams (91.9) which points to their pace of play and also the fact they’ll take those shots early in the shot clock.

An area the Thunder can benefit from is scoring in the paint. The Spurs allow 49.2 opposition points in the paint which ranks in a tie with OKC for 27th. So, the moral of this story is the Thunder need to do a better job at defending their paint while aggressively attacking the Spurs rim.

Similarly, the Spurs aren’t a great perimeter defensive squad ranking 26th.

Daigneault’s gameplan therefore should encourage ball movement to find the open perimeter shot or the defensive matchup to allow for a drive and score in the paint.