The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to impress, extending their winning streak with notable victories over the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. These wins showcase the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity, even without key players like Chet Holmgren and A.J. Mitchell.
Against the Celtics, the Thunder found themselves trailing at halftime, but their never-say-die attitude prevailed. Despite missing Holmgren, whose presence could have made a significant difference against Boston’s formidable frontcourt, Oklahoma City managed to chip away at the deficit and secure the win.
The victory over the Knicks was equally impressive, with the Thunder overcoming multiple moments where the game seemed out of reach. This resilience is a testament to head coach Mark Daigneault’s philosophy of treating each game as a fresh start, embodied in his “0-0" mentality.
Defensive Prowess
One of the most encouraging aspects of the Thunder’s recent performances has been their defensive capabilities. Against the Celtics, Oklahoma City’s half-court defense was particularly impressive, holding Boston to just 84.9 points per play. This defensive strength bodes well for the playoffs, where games often slow down and become more half-court oriented.
Room for Improvement
Despite the recent success, there’s a consensus that this Thunder team hasn’t reached its full potential yet. The imminent return of Chet Holmgren is expected to unlock new levels of performance, particularly on the defensive end. Having two top-tier centers in Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein will provide the luxury of a strong defensive presence for all 48 minutes of a game.
Additionally, the team’s three-point shooting has room for improvement. While they were the top team in three-point percentage last season, they’ve slipped to the bottom half of the league this year. However, this is likely due to shot variance and increased volume, and we expect to see improvement in this area as the season progresses.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Thunder’s recent performances and future potential, tune into the Locked On Thunder podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Thunder Podcast:
• The impact of Chet Holmgren’s return on Jalen Williams’ offensive game
• Analysis of the Thunder’s upcoming games against Cleveland, New York, and Washington
• Discussion on the team’s championship potential and power rankings
