With two games remaining in 2023, the Oklahoma City Thunder is in the midst of its best season in 5 years. 2018 was the last time the team won 20+ games before the calendar year turned. With a three-headed monster of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, it truly has been a December to remember.
Via NBA.com and John Schuhmann, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making the biggest impact when he’s in the court (vs. off).
The differential for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been about even on both ends of the floor, with the Thunder 10.1 points per 100 possessions better on offense and 9.4 per 100 better on defense. And that defensive differential is huge for a starter, as opposing offenses will generally be better when there are better players on the floor.
NBA Storylines: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic among top players making huge impact
Breaking down the largest point differentials when a player is on or off the floor.
In The Bounce newsletter (The Athletic), Zach Harper examines ether the Thunder can truly contend.
However, this team is so young. And young teams donβt generally contend for the NBA championship, let alone win it. The top nine guys getting minutes have an average age of 22.5 years. Thatβs insanely young. Since the 2005-06 season, the youngest average age of an NBA champion is 26.1 years old. That was the 2008-09 Lakers. And even then, their average age for the top nine guys getting minutes was 27 years old.
Can Chet Holmgren, Thunder contend? Could the Hawks kick off trade season?
Zach Harper and Shams Charania catch you up on leaguewide news.
Also in The Athletic, Law Harper ranks the best shooting teams so far, and Oklahoma City comes in at … no. 1. (Insert Mind Blown Emoji.)
By the end of the 2021-22 season, Oklahoma City ranked dead last in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage and only 24th in free-throw percentage. Renowned shooting coach Chip Engelland was hired to join Mark Daigneaultβs staff in the 2022 offseason, and now the Thunder are the only NBA team that ranks in the top five in field goal percentage (third), 3-point percentage (fourth) and free-throw percentage (second).
NBA shooting rankings: From Thunder to Magic, each teamβs greatest strength and weakness
Through Christmas Eve, 3-point attempts and makes are up across the league. But remember, shooting isnβt everything.
A tale as old as time. Losses and frustration about the officiating go hand in hand. This time, it’s the Knicks…
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