The OKC Thunder have regularly received serious criticism from both peers and pundits alike regarding their supposed weaknesses and on-court limitations.
From questions concerning their secondary offensive firepower to the notion that their youthfulness could prove to be a disadvantage under the bright lights of the postseason, Oklahoma City's title favorite status has oft been contested throughout 2024-25.
Recently, former NBA guard turned ESPN analyst, Austin Rivers, joined in on this slanderous action by declaring that the Thunder could be in line for a "rude awakening" come playoff time, as he made the claim that their scoring game is far too reliant on drawing fouls and heading to the free throw line.
Amid his tirade, he would proclaim that the team has "been winning games because of it" and that, in the playoffs, "things are going to get a little physical," suggesting they may not be able to handle rough-and-tough play styles.
Now, while Rivers' remarks were easily debunkable right from the jump, had there been a few remaining believers in this type of ideology during the week after they surfaced, Tuesday night's showdown against the Sacramento Kings should have officially put the kibosh on it.
Thunder prove ability to overcome physical play with win over Kings
Dating back to last season, there has been a narrative surrounding this Thunder team and, in particular, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, that they are hunting for foul calls.
Though they may sometimes be intentionally trying to draw a whistle and be sent to the charity stripe, so, too, are all other 29 teams in the association. Frankly, if they are looking to take on the role of free throw merchants, based on the numbers, they're doing a rather poor job at it.
Over a 72-game stretch, Oklahoma City has been one of the least active ball clubs when it comes to free throw attempts, averaging the fourth-fewest per game with 20.2 despite driving to the basket at the second-highest rate (54.9 drives per game).
Generally speaking, especially with a team consisting of two All-Stars, you'd expect a higher rate of attacking the rim to equate to a higher volume of free throw attempts. To put into perspective just how lopsided their foul line activity is compared to their driving, the Memphis Grizzlies, who attack the lane at the highest rate, rank in with the most free throw attempts per game with 23.7.
Against Sacramento, Oklahoma City's lackluster success rate of drawing fouls comparatively to their driving frequency was put on full display, as they were constantly found heading to the rim (19 total drives) while attempting more than half of their total shot attempts (42 of 82) inside the painted area.
And despite getting whacked and hacked throughout (SGA was pummeled virtually every time he entered the paint), the team generated just 16 of their 121 points from the line.
Regardless of this unchecked, slap-happy defense that they squared off against, the Thunder still managed to pull out a 16-point win over the Kings due, in large, to their stellar shooting (shot 59.4 percent from deep), impressive fastbreak offense (23 points on the break), and stupendous defensive abilities (held Sacramento to just 40.7 percent shooting from the field).
But yeah, this team is completely dependent on favorable calls from the officials and can't handle increased physicality from their opponents.
Whatever you say, Mr. Rivers!