OKLAHOMA CITY — Two years prior, the Oklahoma City Thunder managed a remarkable turnaround, capturing the hearts of basketball fans as a youthful squad that surprised many by reaching the Play-In Tournament, quickening the pace of General Manager Sam Presti’s rebuilding strategy.
In the last season, the Thunder not only clinched the top spot in the Western Conference but also witnessed Mark Daigneault being lauded as the Coach of the Year. Although the team fell to the Dallas Mavericks in the conference semifinals, it was seen as a stepping stone rather than a setback, as expectations were surpassed ahead of schedule.
This season presents a new horizon. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was the runner-up for MVP accolades the previous year, is again in strong contention, having led the league with an impressive 32.7 points per game. Under his leadership, Oklahoma City boasts a formidable 68-14 record, marking one of the most stellar regular seasons in history. With such achievements, the anticipation of a championship run heightens as the playoffs commence on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies at home.
Gilgeous-Alexander shared the sentiment that the Thunder are not daunted by external pressures but see a prime opportunity to execute their well-honed efforts. Confidence and excitement envelop the team, creating an environment ripe for success.
Memphis Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant who averages 23.2 points and 7.3 assists, aim to counter with prowess. Alongside him, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane contribute 22.2 and 19.2 points respectively. Oklahoma City convincingly dominated Memphis throughout the season, winning four encounters each by sizable margins, the closest being a 13-point difference. Morant acknowledged the challenge, recognizing the Thunder’s all-around capabilities and Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, emphasizing the need for solid, disciplined play.
The playoff schedule unwinded in Oklahoma City’s favor, reminiscent of the previous year when they secured the top seed and subsequently swept the New Orleans Pelicans in the initial playoff round with a 4-0 result. The early clinching of the No. 1 seed facilitated strategic preparations against potential opponents, according to Coach Daigneault, who accentuated the adaptive nature of his players to navigate varying challenges.
Adding to the Thunder’s firepower is Jalen Williams, an All-Star averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, and Chet Holmgren, whose versatility stretches from offensive plays both in the paint and beyond the perimeter, to his defensive acumen as a top-tier rim protector. Although affected by injuries to Holmgren and Williams, with 50 and 13 games missed respectively, the team still emerged with the season’s best record, largely due to a deep roster ably managed by Daigneault. The Thunder boast seven players in double-digit averages, supporting a broad rotation of 14 players logging significant minutes.
Defensively, Oklahoma City excels, led by standout perimeter defenders like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso, who contributed to the league’s best defensive rating. The roster is abound with defensive talent, including Cason Wallace, leading the team with 1.8 steals per game, closely followed by Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams with averages of 1.7 and 1.6 steals. Despite Memphis ranking second in scoring with 121.7 points per game, Oklahoma City’s defensive efforts held them to an average of just 106.3 points over regular-season games.
The Grizzlies, being the first No. 8 seed to upset a No. 1 seed in the 2011 playoffs, now aspire to replicate such historic feats, a challenge compounded by the absence of two key players. They approach the series under interim leadership from Tuomas Iisalo, testing their mettle against a formidable Oklahoma City squad.
Ja Morant’s resilience was on display as he played through an ankle sprain in securing the final playoff slot. However, the Grizzlies face notable absences. Rookie Jaylen Wells and vital bench player Brandon Clarke are sidelined due to injuries sustained late during the regular season. These hurdles underscore the uphill battle Memphis faces as they strive to make playoff history once more.