What do the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make them a darkhorse contender in the 2023-24 NBA season. They have 68 wins to brag about through their short history! The Thunder’s versatile roster gives head coach Mark Daigneault and defensive coordinator Dave Bliss the freedom to implement various defensive schemes. Heading into their playoff run, they are not wanting for confidence on the advantage they hold on defense.
Luguentz Dort, the undisputed top on-ball defender in the NBA’s best defense, is central to their defensive identity. His unusual mix of power and light feet combine to create an intimidating force when he’s matched up on the outside. This season, Dort has displayed his talent to control opposing players, valuing him the respect from co-workers and coaches as properly.
Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have both been considerably better, especially when tasked with defending elite scorers such as Nikola Jokic. Their contributions have shored up the Thunder’s interior defense and helped the team keep its moniker as a defensive juggernaut.
The Thunder are No. 1 in the league with 150 steals this season, a testament to their aggressive defensive style. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just finished seventh in the 2023-24 Defensive Player of the Year voting. He’s probably one of the most unheralded, yet key players to points earned toward this achievement. His example on defense raises the level of expectation for his teammates, creating a mindset of ferocity on the floor.
“When we’re locked in on that side of the ball, we’re an unstoppable force.” – Alex Caruso
Thunder’s defensive efforts have not gone unnoticed. Opponents have described their style as relentless. Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson remarked on their intensity, stating, “It felt like seven pit bulls out there. Not five,” illustrating the team’s aggressive defensive stance.
Dort’s contemporaries, like fellow defenders Alex Caruso and Jaylin Williams, have even singled him out as the most elite defender in the league. They emphasize his elite status, despite the fact that he has yet to appear on an All-Defensive team.
“There’s not many guys as big and as strong as Lu that could move as well as he does laterally,” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The key feature of the Thunder’s defense is a schematic versatility. Reality is, the Thunder played Williams in this role throughout the regular season, unless Cason Wallace, their second-year stopper, cracked the starting lineup. This kind of flexibility is how Oklahoma City’s defense is able to change their scheming to exploit the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.
Oklahoma City’s help defense has been the best in the league this season. According to Sharp Football Stats, they’ve sent a help defender on 77% of drives, fifth in the league. This dedication to help defense has improved their overall shot contest and forced turnover creation.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s accolades, some speculate he may not make an OKC-only first-team All-Defensive squad due to the stellar performances of teammates like Caruso and Hartenstein. During the 2022-23 season, Caruso racked up a first-team All-Defensive selection. Last season, he did claim a second-team nod, which helped continue Oklahoma City’s legacy of defensive prowess.
“They rely heavily on their defensive stoppers,” – Kyrie Irving
Let’s not forget about the Thunder preparing for an exciting summer run! That’s going to be a huge test for them as the dynamic individual defenders and well-coordinated team defend against elite competition. Coach Daigneault has stressed the need to keep this defensive mentality around all postseason.
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