The Oklahoma City Thunder are good at a lot of things.
OKC ranks fourth in both offensive and defensive rating, first in team true shooting percentage, second in team three point percentage, and tenth in team assists per game. Despite ranking highly in all these stats throughout most of this season, the most important to OKC’s success all season has been its three point shooting.
Against the New Orleans Pelicans, the shooting that had been a certainty for OKC this season was nowhere to be found, as the Thunder would shoot just 30% from three. Despite the poor shooting night, the Thunder flexed their muscles, easily dispatching of New Orleans, and winning 107-83.
OKC’s offense started off slow. The typical knockdown outside shooting of the Thunder was nowhere to be found, with OKC starting off just 1-10 from three, and 8-24 from the field. OKC was only able to muster four first quarter assists, but due to quick hands and lockdown defense, the Pelicans only led 24-22 as the second quarter started.
The Thunder returned to form behind a strong all around performance from rookie Cason Wallace, who helped grab the lead early in the second with six points, including an impressive fastbreak slam after he intercepted a pass intended for C.J McCollum.
Along with regulating to the mean in terms of scoring efficiency, at least from inside the three point line, OKC also started to whip the ball around the floor as it did against the Spurs. The Thunder topped their assist total from the first quarter with over four minutes remaining in the second. OKC’s offense was hindered by atrocious three point shooting in the first half, with the normally potent Thunder offense shooting just 3-17 from beyond the arc in the first half.
OKC was able to increase it’s shooting percentage from the field to nearly 40%, and brought its assist total up to ten, but the lack of outside shooting limited the possible efficiency of the team in all facets.
Despite its struggles from downtown, OKC still took a 50-41 lead into halftime.
The three point shot continued to elude the Thunder, so they found other ways to get it done. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC expanded its lead to double digits in the third quarter with an array of midrange jumpers. SGA was joined by Chet Holmgren as the only OKC players in double figures after three quarters, and helped the Thunder to a 77-64 lead.
As it has so many times, the early fourth quarter belonged to Jalen Williams. Williams established the two man game with Holmgren in the early going, made his share of tough midrange fadeaways, and acted as OKC’s lead guard. Along with Williams, Holmgren dominated the final quarter.
Holmgren turned away driving Pelicans left and right, swatting away opposing shots at will, along with grabbing several boards while matched up against one of the best rebounders the association has to offer in Jonas Valanciunas. Holmgren finished with an impressive 20 point, 13 rebound, and two block stat line, marking what was easily his most impressive showing since OKC took on the Heat a few weeks back.
Oklahoma City’s favorite trio put the game away, expanding the lead to over 20 points and combining for over 61% of OKC’s total points.
The display of dominance by OKC despite a terrible shooting night proves once again that it is one of the NBA’s elite teams. The Thunder cap off their road trip in a few days against the Detroit Pistons, and if they play even a little better than they did tonight, they should escape with a win.
