Three Important Things to Watch For Heading Into Oklahoma City’s Weekend Stretch
After the NBA took Tuesday off to encourage fans to get out and vote, Thunder Basketball returns Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Paycom Center. Oklahoma City traveled to Milwaukee last weekend in a losing streak, but this team, the Bucks, add the former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo back into the lineup.
After an entertaining start to the season with four straight wins and a .500+ record, Oklahoma City has returned to earth. The team has fallen three times in a row, all by nine points or more. It is clear that Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders Heroic deeds were the main reason for the Thunder’s success, and it just might not be that sustainable. SGA is good enough to still get its own every night at this point, but teams can now better plan how to beat the thunder even on its big nights.
Aside from Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC’s development has been a bit disappointing across the board. Alexei Pokusevski has improved significantly as a player, even if the stats haven’t caught up yet and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl The 3-point shock tip highlights two of the Thunder’s internal assets. Apart from that, however, it leaves a lot to be desired.
After yesterday’s short NBA break, a new game begins for the Thunder. All in all, a 4-6 record is probably better than most people expected in ten games in Oklahoma City.
Here are three things I’ll be looking for on Wednesday that would also accompany Oklahoma City’s road to success:
Offensive assertiveness from Jalen Williams
Williams had his full bag on display during the Summer League Run in Oklahoma City. He was all over the defense and led the show on offense.
So far, Williams has already received plenty of playing time and even a few starts in his rookie season. He plays basketball efficiently and does what is asked of him, but Oklahoma City would benefit from an increase in his shot attempts. If he’s aggressive on offense and gets to the edge, his talent will really shine through.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 3-point shot
SGA has never been known for its outside shots, but that has never stopped it from making triples. Up until last season, Gilgeous-Alexander had a respectable 3-point shot percentage-wise, and even after the slump, it was still widely viewed as just that. A burglary.
Now ten games into the 2022/23 season, Gilgeous-Alexander almost refuses to take 3 points. It obviously doesn’t affect his goal-scoring ability much, still good for a late-night 30’s, but it’s big for the team’s development. Gilgeous-Alexander needs to develop a consistent 3-point shot at some point in his career, and the only way to do that is by hitting them. And every SGA shot is a good shot for the Thunder.
The draft class of 2021
The rebuilding of Oklahoma City has reached the point where it is easy to see the core beginning to form. Adding another likely top ten pick in next year’s draft, plus Chet Holmgren and all the other free agents, and next year it’s suddenly going to be very interesting.
Game time is already limited, but next year will most likely set a rotation. It’s time for boys like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Tre Mann and Aaron Wiggins to separate from the pack. We’ve seen flashes this season, but nothing consistent. Oklahoma City is looking for late-game help for Gilgeous-Alexander, now would be a great time for one of the Thunder’s second-year players to take on a bigger role.
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