It wasn't long ago when many thought the biggest weakness for the OKC Thunder was their bench. Outside of Ajay Mitchell, it was difficult to determine where the points would come from on a nightly basis.
The injury to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander elevated that concern, as Oklahoma City appeared to be stretched thin, but its depth has responded in a way no one expected.
Since SGA's shelving back on February 4th, the Thunder bench ranks sixth in points per game, and they have been a cheat code from beyond the arc, shooting 47.3 percent from deep, which ranks first in the league during that stretch.
As a whole, coach Mark Daigneault's squad ranks second in the NBA in three-point percentage since SGA's injury. What was once considered to be a weakness has turned into one of their greatest strengths.
Thunder star's absence has forced them to change their play style
SGA's injury has forced the Thunder to adopt an entirely new play style. Since his injury, OKC has increased its passes per game from 259.7 to 291.5. From the eye test alone, the ball has been flying around the court at a much faster pace without iso specialists like Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in the lineup.
Because of this, five different Thunder players have shot at least 40.0 percent from range while playing in at least five games over the past two and a half weeks.
Additions to the rotation, Jared McCain and Nikola Topic, have spaced out the floor. McCain's quickness and Topic's slashing ability have been on full display in recent weeks.
They have created plays off the bench and caused confusion among opposing defenders, leading to open shots all over the perimeter.
Thunder will have some decisions to make when stars come back
With the return of their core players looming, coach Daigneault will have some decisions on his hands.
Isaiah Joe has been a revelation since earning more minutes amid their injury woes. He has been one of the hottest three-point shooters in the NBA and has proven to be an excellent complement to McCain around the perimeter.
Kenrich Williams has been the best three-point shooter on the team since February 4th, shooting a ridiculous 63.2 percent on nearly three attempts per game.
With others such as Joe, Williams, Topic, McCain, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams, and Alex Caruso all making their cases for more minutes, Daigneault's rotation decisions will be intriguing to monitor as he manages OKC's embarrassment of riches in the coming weeks.