Game 2 dominance: 3 key takeaways as the OKC Thunder go up 2-0 vs the Pelicans

Shockingly, the Thunder outrebounded the Pelicans

The OKC Thunder had struggled in the rebounding department all throughout the 2023-24 campaign. 

In Game 1, they were out-boarded 44-52 by the Pelicans. In Game 2, however, OKC not only minimized their struggles against the New Orleans bigs but controlled the boards throughout the game, grabbing 37 rebounds against the 35 pulled down from the eight seed. 

Though still outrebounded by the Pelicans, the Thunder showed that they could compete against the their lengthy frontcourt in terms of the glass game. 

Gang rebounding was the Thunder’s calling card. Four players snagged five or more rebounds with Holmgren leading wiith seven, followed by Josh Giddey with six, and Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins taking five apiece. 

The Thunder have been trading off the rebounding game for other aspects throughout the entire season, yet they remain the one seed. The team offset this by allowing them to switch positions on defense and have offensive spacing. 

While some think this is not much of a concern, rebounding is a great indicator of the Thunder’s efforts. Rebounds will be a great measure of how dominant the team can be against any team during this playoff run.

Without question, the Thunder are a scary team once the rebounding disparities are minimized.