Thunder 136, Suns 109: The Day After Report
Nuggets & Notes
- So, if you shoot really well, and play good defense, good things happen. That's what my big takeaway is from the Oklahoma City Thunder's demolition of the Phoenix Suns.
- OKC led for nearly the entire game and built a lead as large as 37 points. It was an avalanche.
- What stood out most to me is how the Thunder defended Phoenix. One of OKC's hallmarks is creating turnovers, but the Suns largely avoided turnovers (just 10 total). While OKC capitalized on almost every turnover to the tune of 16 points off turnovers, it was largely just fundamental defense that frustrated the Suns all night.
- Go back and watch the defensive rotations. Few teams can rotate as effectively as the Thunder. The Suns tried to swing the ball to create open looks, but the windows closed in an instant.
- On top of that, the help defense was on point. Rotations and help defense don't have the flash of a block or a steal, but they are just as noteworthy in creating stops. There were stretches were it seemed like the Thunder was some kind of hive mind. Helps on screens, drives, rotations–I was so impressed how well the Thunder made life difficult on the Suns.
- There were a bunch of standout performances offensively, but THE standout performance was by Jalen Williams. In his second game back, Dub was basically perfect, scoring 28 points on 11-of-12 shooting (4-of-5 from three) in just 20 minutes, and actually did not miss any of his first 11 shots. This was peak Dub.
- Of course, the Thunder just can't have nice things. Late in the third, Jalen checked himself out holding his hamstring, before going straight to the locker room. Prayers that it's nothing significant, and the All Star break will be all he needs to get back to 100%.
- I could write bullet after bullet describing the stellar performances of the Thunder players. So, let's actually do that.
- Isaiah Joe caught a heater off the bench: 21 points in 18 minutes, 6-of-8 from three.
- Jared McCain took advantage of his most extensive action in a Thunder uniform, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, 2-of-3 from three, 4 rebounds, 2 steals in 22 minutes.
- Jaylin Williams contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in 28 minutes. That’s connective tissue basketball.
- Kenrich Williams continues to play Kenny Hustle basketball to the tune of 15 points, 6 rebounds (4 offensive).
- Speaking of hustling, Lu Dort was hustling last night. Defensively, Dort was rotating like a man possessed, and early in the game, he was showcasing his offense. Dort finished with 9 points, and though he didn't record a steal, his defense was textbook.
- Isaiah Hartenstein wasn't needed for big minutes, but we still got a good dose of Hart's passing (6 assists).
- Chet Holmgren was a little quieter last night: 13 points, 5-of-5 from the line, and just 4 rebounds, but he played within the game.
- For the Suns, Dillon Brooks had 23 points but finished -27. That tells you the story of the night. In fact, every Suns starter finished at least -18. Ouch.
One Key Takeaway
I've been excited to see Jared McCain get 20+ minutes to see what he could do. We got that last night, and boy am I excited to see it again.
I put the stats in the bullets above, but stats don't paint the complete picture. McCain really looked like he fit in. There were no forced shots. He knew his role. He took advantage of scoring opportunities when they presented themselves. And he played solid defense on his way to nabbing a full 1/3 of the Thunder steals last night.
I know I'm biased here, but if I'm any other NBA team, I'm fuming that the Thunder traded a late first they didn't need (and yeah, a couple of second rounders) to get a guy whose shooting prowess will open up the court for others, but if left alone, will torch the opponent. I can't imagine the fear of the league's other teams of this CVS-receipt length list of dynamic scorers that OKC could trot out if it can get healthy: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe, and now, Jared McCain. What a luxury.
