OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 03: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kenrich ... [+] Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at Paycom Center on January 03, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesThrough the first part of the 2022-23 campaign, the Oklahoma City Thunder were much better than expected. At the end of 2022, Oklahoma City was 15-21 with a net rating of -1.6 to that point. The team was clearly in a different tier than the bottom teams in the league, tied for 12th in the Western Conference and just a few games out of the play-in tournament.
After a New Year’s Eve matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Thunder had a top ten defensive rating (112.1) but a bottom five offensive rating (110.5) in the NBA. Oklahoma City was in the bottom half of the league in overall field goal percentage as well efficiency from beyond the arc.
At the turn of the calendar year, the offense completely turned itself around. Oklahoma City has only played four games in 2023, but has been one of the best teams in the entire NBA.
Admittedly, some of the Thunder’s metrics are inflated due to a 150-point performance in a blowout win over the Boston Celtics, but they’ve posted the top offensive rating in the league at 125.8 while shooting 50% from the floor (6th in NBA) and 45.1% from deep (2nd in NBA). They have also generated 27.8 assists per game, which is four more per game on average than before the turn of the calendar. This is good for a top five ranking in the NBA in assists.
Although the defense has slipped a bit due to shootout games, down to a 113.8 rating, it hasn’t mattered. Oklahoma City’s 12.0 net rating in 2023 is the best in the league and has led to a 3-1 record over the past four games.
Over this stretch, the Thunder have gotten 67.8 points per game from the trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort and Josh Giddey.
Rookie Jalen Williams has also emerged as a highly impactful piece, averaging 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest. He’s also picked things up defensively, producing 2.8 steals and one block per game over the past four.
Finally, Kenrich Williams has been a key piece of the Thunder’s success of late, playing undersized center minutes with all of the injuries Oklahoma City is facing. He’s averaged 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on ridiculous efficiency in 2023. He’s knocked down 80% of his 3-point attempts and 100% of his free throws.
Following this hot start to the new year, the Thunder are 18-22, just 1.5 games out of the play-in and 2.0 games out of the No. 6 seed and a guaranteed playoff spot.
The level of play we’ve seen from the Thunder over the past four games definitely isn’t sustainable, but it’s yet another stretch of spectacular play from the youngest team in the NBA this season.
Facing a tough four-game road trip over the next week, Oklahoma City could be firmly in the playoff picture if the team comes back to Oklahoma City on a positive note.
Jan. 10: Miami Heat
Jan. 12: Philadelphia 76ers
Jan. 13: Chicago Bulls
Jan. 15: Brooklyn Nets
Following this trip, the season will be more than halfway over and the Thunder could have upwards of 22 wins. Entering the season, they were projected to win less than 24 games total in the 2022-23 campaign, showing just how much better they’ve been than expected.
Nick Crain, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholascrain/2023/01/09/turning-the-corner-oklahoma-city-thunder-have-emerged-in-new-year/
By: Nick Crain, Contributor
Title: Turning The Corner: Oklahoma City Thunder Have Emerged In New Year
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/nicholascrain/2023/01/09/turning-the-corner-oklahoma-city-thunder-have-emerged-in-new-year/
Published Date: 01-10-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Trade Exemption in NBA Basketball?
The NBA allows teams to trade away players under the trade exception. This exception allows teams the opportunity to acquire players whose salaries exceed those of the players they have traded away, without having to make corresponding salary moves. This exception can be used multiple times by a team and does not affect their salary cap. Trade exceptions provide a way for teams not to have to trim their rosters or make changes to their roster composition. This helps maintain a competitive balance between teams and avoid situations where some teams have an unfair advantage due to their financial situation.
It helps to keep the league financially sound and allows teams to move around without worrying about whether they can afford to do so. Trade exceptions can be used to help teams win championships and are an essential part in roster construction.
Which player is the greatest defender in the NBA's history?
Anyone who is familiar with basketball will not be surprised to find "The Dream" at top of the list. Hakeem Olajuwon was a 18-year veteran of the NBA and blocked 3,830 shots. That's more than any other player. He was also an All Defensive player 9 times and 2 times DPOY. His team won two NBA Championships. He was a formidable defender. His quickness, timing, athleticism and footwork allowed him to be an exceptional shot blocker, rebounder, and runner. He was unstoppable in defending any position on a court, making him an absolute nightmare for opponents. Not only was he a formidable defensive player, but he was also a top offensive player. He had incredible agility, quickness, and a deadly array of spin moves, which allowed him to score in the post. His versatility made him a great player and defender. There is no doubt that Hakeem Olajuwon deserves to be at the top of this list.
Bill Russell barely makes #2 on this list due to his average of 15.1 ppg, but he was the best defender during his era and gave opposing teams nightmares. Bill Russell is an NBA legend. He has won 11 NBA Championships throughout his career and has the highest defensive win rates in NBA history with 133.64. His rebounding and defensive skills were crucial to the Boston Celtics' remarkable success. He is often considered the greatest defender in NBA history because of his ability to predict plays and understand the strategies of opponents.
Dennis Rodman is number three on this list. He was a unique player in the NBA's history and made an immediate impact on the game. Rodman played tough defence, rebounded well, and didn't need the ball to score, which allowed his team win often. Dennis Rodman was a seven time Rebounding Champ and an eight-time All Defensive Player. He was also a 2-time DPOY and a five-time NBA Champion. His defensive end skills were among the most impressive, with his determination and ability to stay in the right position at the correct time. He was also an excellent rebounder, often out-jumping much taller players and snatching boards away from them.
Who holds the record in terms of career playoff wins for the NBA?
LeBron is one of today's most sought-after basketball stars, having won an incredible 174 NBA Playoffs wins and played 266 games.
How long does a player stay on waivers?
A waiver is a condition in which a NBA player is released by their team at any time during the season. Waived players may be claimed by another side within 48 hours. If more than one person claims the player within that time period, priority goes to team with the worst record.
Who made the first basket for the NBA?
Ossie Schectman, an American professional basketball player, scored the first basket in the Basketball Association of America. This was later to become the National Basketball Association. It was scored in a match between the New York Knickerbockers and the Toronto Huskies on November 1, 1946. Schectman's historic debut basket opened the BAA's first season.
Statistics
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nba.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
bleacherreport.com
sports.yahoo.com
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- NBA Finals Game 1 has the lowest recorded viewing figures in history.
How To
How does the NBA All-Star Game determine which players are to be chosen?
A combination of fan, media and current player voting chooses the 24 players selected to compete in the NBA All-Star Game. Fans make up 50 percent of the vote. Media and current players account for 25 percent. Each group's vote counts as one, and all three groups submit their ballots simultaneously. Each conference picks two guards, two forwards and one centre. If a player is injured or unable to play due to any other reason, then the NBA Commissioner will select a replacement for that player. The All-Star Game features a series of predetermined games in which the players are competing against each other. The team with the highest points total at the end after four quarters wins is declared the winner. Each year, the winning team receives a donation to charity.
Additionally, the most valuable player in the game receives a special award. The All-Star Game is one of the most highly anticipated events in the NBA each year, as it brings together some of the best talents from both conferences. It is an opportunity for fans and players to compete against each another, and see who emerges victorious. The All-Star Game is a showcase for some the most exciting players within the NBA and it is something that fans look forward too every year. The NBA All-Star Game's unique selection process will ensure that the game provides entertainment and talent.
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