In the high-flying Western Conference, where 10 teams are averaging over 100 points a game, only one team is holding their opponents under 90. No, not the Spurs; the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder.
Young teams are not supposed to win this way, and last year the Thunder proved that. They fit easily into the mold of young talented teams. You live and die by shooting percentages.
This year, the Thunder have gotten off to a respectable start in a way that young teams seldom do: with dominating defense.
Last year, they added guard Thabo Sefolosha for one of their coveted draft picks after the Tyson Chandler deal fell through. While the move had many scratching their heads, Sefolosha's impact was felt immediately. The Thunder had already started to improve, but he showed the young team how much good defensive effort can impact the game and the Thunder have apparently took that lesson to heart.
While it was expected the Thunder would improve on both sides of the ball as they gain experience, the total transformation and dedication to defense was not.
The most impressive increase in defensive intensity has been down on the lo ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by J. Robert Byrom
Oklahoma City Thunder Defense is Leading the Western Conference
November 9th, 2009 by J. Robert Byrom Leave a reply »
Advertisement