Thunder Near the Top of Multiple Team Hustle Stats

As we’re now passing the Vacation level within the NBA season, Oklahoma Metropolis’s document stands at 14-19, good for twelfth within the West. The Thunder has had possibilities to make up floor on a play-in spot, however late recreation struggles have been powerful to beat these days. It doesn’t look like a season of dramatic dropping just like the final two, however it additionally doesn’t look like OKC is gearing up for a play-in run. It might definitely be enjoyable, however the roster doesn’t fairly appear prepared but.

Outdoors of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma Metropolis’s roster doesn’t characteristic many playoff-caliber playoffs proper now. That doesn’t imply the Thunder gained’t have the items quickly, however it takes time to develop younger gamers. With the younger expertise, although, it’s obvious that OKC can have a combating probability in almost each recreation this season.

Irrespective of how a lot the Thunder has fallen behind, the crew all the time appears to discover a approach again in it. This youthful squad performs so exhausting each single night time and it exhibits within the finals scores. It’s additionally evident within the crew stats part, the place Oklahoma Metropolis ranks close to the highest of the NBA in nearly each “hustle stat” class. It is smart, as Oklahoma Metropolis is stuffed with younger, aggressive playmakers making an attempt to stay onto an NBA roster.

OKC ranks No. 3 in contested photographs behind Golden State and Boston, No. 3 in unfastened balls recovered behind the Pacers and the Knicks and No. 1 in prices drawn. Oklahoma Metropolis can also be tied for first within the league’s minutes performed part, showcasing what number of extra time video games the crew has performed in already, and eleventh total in crew deflections. Each class within the hustle part is a testomony to the way in which the Thunder play as a crew.

After struggling on protection over the start of season, Oklahoma Metropolis is again as much as No. 10 in defensive score. The Thunder ranks fifth in steals and eighth in blocks, too, including to the crew’s defensive qualities.

Including rookies like Jalen Williams, Ousmane Dieng and Jaylin Williams have definitely helped Oklahoma Metropolis’s depth, however each Dieng and J-Could have spent heavy time within the G League. Isaiah Joe, who was added to the roster after taking part in for Philadelphia, has additionally been a supply of each factors and power off the bench. OKC has so many younger gamers combating for taking part in time, it’s no marvel everybody performs so exhausting.

Defensive minded stoppers like Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams and Aaron Wiggins have helped set the tradition for the Thunder, and this season is not any totally different.

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