OKC Thunder seek 5th win in a row with Nets, KD and Harden on tap

Key Stats:

It’s completely possible it won’t matter but some of the Nets statistics sort of point to a few issues within their system. Some analysts suggest they aren’t concerned about where they are seeded and others believe at some point Kyrie Irving will return.

In the big three categories, the Nets rank 17th offensively (107.1), 6th defensively (104.1), and 10th in net differential (plus 3.0).

In comparison, the OKC Thunder ranks 29th offensively (99.7), 13th defensively (106.2), and 25th in net differential (-6.4).

Scoring:

The Nets score 107.6 per game ranking 19th overall and allow opponents to score 104.1
which ranks ninth.

The Thunder ranks 28th in scoring per game with 99.6 points and allows opponents to score 106.4  points per game ranking 13th.

Rebounding:

On the glass, Brooklyn pulls down 44.8 rebounds per game ranking 22nd overall. Offensively, the Nets grab 7.1 boards which rank dead last.

OKC is tied for third pulling down 47.8  boards per match and 10.6 offensive boards per match which rank 12th.

Dime dishers:

As for playmaking, the Nets deliver 24.6 assists per match ranking fifth overall while the Thunder dish 19.6 assists per game to rank dead last in the association.

Perimeter:

Brooklyn is heating up on the perimeter with players like Kevin Durant and Patty Mills consistently hitting shots. Now that Harden seems to have found his range it’s not surprising they jumped up to first (39.0 percent) after a strong week.

The Thunder ranks 28th shooting 39.0 percent from deep.

Scoring by quarter:

The Nets have a very specific preference for quarters scoring the sixth-best in the first, fifth in the second, and eighth-best in the third quarter but rank 29th in the final frame. Defensively, Nets opponents score the most in the first quarter (28.46) which ranks 23rd.

Turnovers:

A weakness for the Nets is maintaining control of the ball coughing it up 15.2 times per game ranking in a three-way tie for 21st.The Thunder commit15.1 turnovers per game ranking 18th in the association.

Miscellaneous Categories:

Part of the Nets’ issues on offensive are tied to the miscellaneous categories. Specifically:

• Rank 22nd on points scored off turnovers (15.6)
• Rank 30th in second-chance points (7.6)
• The Nets score the fewest points in the paint (36.5)

On the defensive side of the court, the Nets also have issues with the miscellaneous categories allowing:

• Opponents to score 18.9 points off turnovers- rank 25th
• Fast break scoring – rank 27th allowing opponents to score 14.8 points per game