Thunder’s Defensive Masterclass: A Playoff Game-Changer
In the final minute of Game 3 in the first round of the playoffs, Alex Caruso made a pivotal play that showcased the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defensive prowess. Caruso pounced, ripping the basketball away from Scotty Pippen Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, trailing by three points, were desperate for a good shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They had already seen their 29-point lead vanish, and with Ja Morant on crutches, their offense seemed doomed.
Memphis guard Desmond Bane couldn’t find an opening as he navigated a high pick-and-roll with Luguentz Dort and 7-footer Chet Holmgren hedging. Bane’s slightly off-target pass to Pippen allowed Caruso to close in from his help position. Pippen’s attempt to create space exposed the ball, and Caruso seized the opportunity, with Dort diving to recover it.
The Thunder’s defense was relentless, and they weren’t about to let this game slip away. Oklahoma City put on a defensive clinic in the second half, completing the second-largest comeback in playoff history. Memphis struggled against the league’s top-ranked defense, finishing the second half with more turnovers (13) than made shots (9-of-36 shooting).
“Our defense is our superpower,” Caruso said after the Thunder’s comeback win. “When we’re locked in on that side of the ball, we’re an unstoppable force.”
Indeed, Oklahoma City has been a force to be reckoned with this season, cruising to a league-best 68 wins and sweeping Memphis. The Thunder shattered the NBA record for best point differential in a season (plus-12.9 points per game), thanks to their dominant defense. This success is a testament to their talent, tenacity, and teamwork.
As the Thunder face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, their defense is being tested by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The 6-foot-11 giant poses a challenge even against perfect defensive execution. Game 3 in Denver is set for Friday (10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Oklahoma City’s defense is a collective effort, with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. Despite finishing seventh in the 2023-24 Defensive Player of the Year balloting, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact is undeniable. He has ranked among the league’s top five in steals for three consecutive seasons, averaging at least 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game twice.
Gilgeous-Alexander credits his teammates for allowing him to take on the least demanding defensive assignments, enabling him to operate like a ball-hawking free safety. With the additions of Caruso and center Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder’s defense has reached new heights.
Dort, known for his strength and agility, always guards the opponent’s best perimeter scorer. Despite never making an All-Defensive team, Dort finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting this season. His ability to hold opponents below their average is a testament to his defensive prowess.
“There’s not many guys as big and as strong as Lu that could move as well as he does laterally,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN. “He’s kind of a freak athlete in his own way.”
Oklahoma City’s defense is a well-oiled machine, with players like Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace taking on tough assignments. The Thunder’s defensive strategy involves harassing opponents with controlled chaos, made possible by precise game-planning and constant communication.
The Thunder’s defensive dominance is a collective effort, but there’s a competitive edge among the players. “We haven’t said it out loud, but iron sharpens iron,” Caruso told ESPN. “You see somebody competing at a certain level, playing at a certain level, you have no choice but to match that.”
Oklahoma City’s defense doesn’t just stop opponents from scoring; it ignites their offense. This interconnected approach has propelled the Thunder to 68 wins during the regular season and into the second round of the playoffs. As they continue their playoff journey, the Thunder hope their defensive prowess will lead them to victory.
“I didn’t really look at tonight as a response as much as I looked at tonight as just us being who we are,” Daigneault said after the series-tying win. “And that’s how we’ve been all season.”
Originally Written by: Tim MacMahon
