OKC Thunder – Celtics preview: Rivalry built on dramatic finishes
Key Stats:
In terms of the big three statistical categories, the Celtics have jumped up and down the ladder as they play some games focused on scoring and others on locking down defenders. That’s resulted in major shifts in the statistical columns. One week they appear strong offensively and bad defensively. Recently that dynamic flipped with the defense improving and the offense struggling.
As of this writing, the Celtics offense (104.6) ranks 23rd, their defense ranks 11th (104.8), and their net rating is a minus -0.2 net differential.
Evidence of their constant shifts is highlighted in the last eight games where Boston has recorded a 5-3 record and they’ve committed defensively which is evidenced in their defensive rating (99.3) of second overall and a net differential of plus +5.3 ranking sixth.
In contrast, the OKC Thunder ranks 29th offensively (98.9),12th defensively (105.9 ), and 26th in net differential (-7.0).
Scoring:
The Celtics score 106.7 per game ranking 19th overall and allow opponents to score 106.4 which ranks 14th.
The Thunder ranks 29th in scoring per game with 98.8 points and allows opponents to score 105.9 points per game ranking 13th.
Rebounding:
On the glass, the Celtics grab 45.8 rebounds per game ranking tied for 13th overall. Offensively, Boston pulls down 10.5 boards which rank 11th.
OKC ranks fifth averaging 47.7 boards per match ranking in a tie for third, and 10.4 offensive boards per match which rank tied for 12th.
Dime dishers:
As for playmaking, Boston averages 22.6 dimes per match ranking 21st while the Thunder dish 20.0 assists which is the worst assist per game ranking in the association.
Perimeter:
The Celtics ranks 26th from beyond the arc shooting with an efficiency of 32.3 percent
while the Thunder struggle from deep shooting 30.5 percent to rank 29th.
Turnovers:
The Celtics are dead center in the turnover category with 14.6 miscues ranking 15th in the association.
OKC began the season being much more cognizant of protecting the ball but have slipped in that regard coughing it up 15.3 times per game ranking 21st.
Miscellaneous Categories:
The Celtics block the ball 6.0 times per game which ranks fourth although Robert Williams has a lot to do with this and he may not play in this match.
The Celtics rank in the bottom third of all the miscellaneous offensive categories except second chance scoring where they eek up one rung to 19th. They do not get out and score in transition or on the break (could be impacted by the absence of Jaylen Brown).
- Points off turnovers: 15.5 – rank 20th
- Second Chance points: 11.9 – rank 19th
- Fastbreak points: 9.5 – rank tied 26th
- Points in the paint: 44.9 – rank 18th
Defensively the Celtics take advantage in multiple areas of the court not allowing opponents to score on second chance opportunities in the fast break or in the paint.
Granted having Robert Williams makes a difference and if the Time Lord can’t go again (sore knee) it will make it hard to take advantage of these areas.
- Points off turnovers: 16.5 – rank 14th
- Second Chance points: 10.7 – rank 2nd
- Fast Break points: 11.0 – rank 5th
- Points in the paint: 44.3 – rank 9th
NOTE: stats were taken on November 18th from NBA official site and could experience shifts as games tip-off.