OKC Thunder Power Rankings Week 7: Steven Adams # 12 and Chris Paul # 3 of the OKC Thunder speak during the game against Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Zach Beeker / NBAE via Getty Images)
When repeating the OKC Thunder on February 7th against the Pistons, the club can take three lessons to apply in Orlando.
Another repeat of Fox Sports Oklahoma offered some valuable lessons for the OKC Thunder as they prepared to start the season again.
The night of this game, the Thunder were tired after playing more games in January than any other team in the association. It was also the second game in a row in which OKC downplayed the competition for parts of the game.
The team undoubtedly dealt with the emotional baggage of exceeding the trading deadline, especially since many thought Sam Presti could continue to trade assets and collect more draft picks. As it turned out, those who believed that this was his goal were wrong. In keeping with his word, Presti said at the beginning of the season this year that the goal was to replenish and reformat the team.
Three lessons for Orlando:
Paul’s effect on victories:
At this point in the season, there was reason to ride on it with the club and the players. Chris Paul provided and supported Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth both in terms of his production on the court and in developing the type of leadership required to run a club.
When Paul finally leaves the thunder, these lessons that are passed on to Shai will prove invaluable. His game management is beyond any doubt. CP3 is often used aggressively in matches and is only used when needed.
This win was a perfect example of his ability to see when the team needed a shot in the arm. Like many of the Thunder victories this season, Paul took the course to make sure OKC took the win.
He ended the game with 22 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a block that was typical of its overall effect in games.
OKC Thunder Big Man depth::
While many teams are eagerly pursuing small ball plans, the role of the big man is not yet out of date. Thunder has two centers that do not spread the ground, but are invaluable in so many other ways.
Steven Adams continues to do all the little things that don’t appear on a statistics sheet, but whether it’s setting up a screen or helping with defense, all these little things help thunder win. Nerlens Noel also offers a different view of the center. Its length and speed give OKC a great one that can defend itself to the brim and at the same time defend the color.
In this victory, both great men delivered. Adams registered 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block. Noel filled the statistic with seven points, six rebounds, an assist, two steals and two blocks.
Perimeter Defense::
Every club in Orlando will shoot from deep, so solid defense is essential. This game showed why the Thunder are among the league’s top 3-point defenders.
When this game took place, the pistons ranked in the top five of 3-point efficiency. OKC closed it and held it to 28.9 percent in 11 of 39 attempts.
On the way to Orlando, while players may have rusted offensive, their defensive skills will depend more on effort and focus. The Thunder are in eighth place and defend the perimeter. With the great men of Adams and Noel, they can also defend the color they can count on.
For those who prefer the full statistical information, click here for the ESPN box rating or here for our grades that followed the win in Motor City.
