Though the OKC Thunder have clearly been one of the best teams in the league, there is an area of their game that could certainly use for some fine-tuning as we make our way through the campaign.
The three point shot, and realistically shooting as a whole, has been below par through 22 games played, and not what the team was looking to do going into this season. As things currently stand, they sport a 34.6 percent clip from deep on 39.9 attempts per game and 46.3 percent from the field as a whole.
Right now, the Thunder are ranked 19th in the league in three-point percentage after leading the charge in this department in 2023-24 with a 38.9 shooting percentage from deep.
Fortunately, even with these below-average shooting numbers, the defense has stepped up big, which has played a major role in their West-leading 17-5 record. Still, they cannot afford to solely rely on their efforts on the less glamorous side of the ball to win them games.
These shooting numbers are concerning to look at, but you have to look at the big picture, as the philosophy this team has been eyeing is completely different than last year.
Before the season started, coach Mark Daigneault said he was going to have the Thunder be experimental with their shooting and would look for a higher volume of threes instead of worrying about having a high percentage.
Still, there is a fine line between the two. The Thunder are taking more shots, but have significantly dropped in percentage, as they're making around the same amount of threes as they did last season (13.8 in 2024-25 compared to 13.3 in 2023-24).
One player who has seen this in full effect is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has struggled in some games from behind the arc, specifically in their recent matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
The superstar shot an ugly 1-for-10 from long range during OKC's lopsided Thursday night blowout win, and this has happened a few times this season.
So far, Gilgeous-Alexander is shooting just 32.6 percent from distance while taking a career-high 6.3 three-point attempts per game. Ironically, he's also making a career-high 2.0 per game.
Of course, not all have been negatively affected by this new team philosophy, as Jalen Williams is putting up a career-high 21.7 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent from deep while hoisting 5.1 attempts per contest (also a new career-high).
This discrepancy clearly shows that Oklahoma City's emphasis on shooting more often from beyond the arc has been working for some players while serving as a challenge for others.
It is still early on in the season, and some have already shown progression with their shot, but the low percentages are still something that warrants a bit of concern.
With three-point weapons like Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams still out, it should be expected that their shooting numbers will improve once they make their return.
Until then, however, their struggles are likely to continue.