OKC Thunder: 3 keys to sweeping series versus Knicks
OKC Thunder key number 3: Defense wins games
Entering the second half of play the Knicks were ranked second defensively. One blowout loss to the Bucks dropped them to fifth. It’s unusual for that big of a shift in the key category rankings especially this far into the season, but then this season isn’t typical with the numerous 20 and 30 point blowouts.
Considering the youth of these clubs it’s a credit to Tom Thibodeau and Mark Daigneault their clubs rank fifth and ninth defensively. Getting any club to commit to playing defense and then do it consistently is challenging. For the Knicks, it’s landed them on the playoff ladder while the Thunder are (cough) winning more than they’re supposed to primarily because of their defense,
That defense will get tested in the second half for both squads. Of the 35 games, New York has slated in the second half 21 are versus currently seeded playoff teams or 60 percent. That could be an issue as we noted above due to their 6-10 record versus current playoff seeds.
As for the Thunder, much will depend on what happens to the roster at the deadline as well as Daigneault’s rotations and minute distribution (read: how can OKC drop a few spots on the ladder to improve their draft order).