3 keys to Thunder winning first-round series vs surging Pelicans

3. Thunder mus outrun NOLA in transition

Both teams have some of the most youthful lineups heading into this year's postseason, so one expects a fiery transition exchange. 

The Thunder will surely have a hard time scoring against the Pelicans’ lengthy wings consisting of Herb Jones, Dyson Daniels, and Trey Murphy on numerous stretches. One way to offset that is to run them off the floor and create easier opportunities in the halfcourt

They have been the best premier transition team in the association for the entire season, topping the league in transition points with 26.5 per game on a league-high volume of 18.3 attempts. 

Oklahoma City also ranked sixth in turnover frequency in transition at 10.3, which is an estimate of turnovers per 100 possessions, and forced the most steals per game with 8.5. 

Meanwhile, the Pelicans come in at third in most steals per game with 8.3, which could disrupt the Thunder’s halfcourt offense and even affect their transition game. 

This is an aspect in which OKC could very well dominate the Pelicans. Having lineups that practically outrun everyone could have them in charge of the game at any moment and put pressure on the eight-seeded Pelicans.