Thunder Look to Instill Fear in Playoffs Amid Impressive Season

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — As the 2023-2024 NBA season approaches its final stretch, the Oklahoma City Thunder have outscored their opponents by an impressive 12.7 points per game, positioning themselves as a formidable playoff contender and historic title hopeful. This mark could surpass the NBA record of 12.3 points per game set by the 1971-72 Lakers.

Led by star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently averaging 32.6 points per game and is considered a top MVP candidate, the Thunder are not only dominating offensively but also excelling defensively, allowing just 106 points per 100 possessions. This places them far ahead of the league’s average defensive performance, underscoring their potential to instill fear in opposing teams come playoff time.

“There’s a certain seriousness that it takes to win in this league, and there’s a certain fear you have to instill in teams in order to win,” said a seasoned forward and four-time champion, referencing the Thunder’s competitive spirit. However, some insiders believe the Thunder have yet to establish that fear among their rivals.

Despite skepticism from rivals, analysts have identified multiple reasons why opponents should fear the Thunder. Among these is their depth, with 11 players reportedly averaging at least league-average performance. General Manager Sam Presti has skillfully constructed a roster that allows coach Mark Daigneault to keep player workloads low; no more than two Thunder players average over 29 minutes per game.

The Thunder lead the Western Conference with a historically large gap, holding an 11-game lead with projections indicating they could win the conference by as many as 14 games. Historically, such teams have fared well in the playoffs, with 10 of the 12 previous post-merger teams that won their conference by double digits ultimately securing the championship.

The stats further illustrate the Thunder’s prowess. They lead the league in turnover ratio, forcing an average of 5.9 more turnovers than they commit per game, which would break the record set by the 1987-88 Nuggets. Additionally, they are converting the most points off opponent turnovers, further solidifying their dominance on both ends of the court.

In terms of individual performances, Gilgeous-Alexander stands out not only for his scoring ability but also for his efficiency, ranking second in field goals among top scorers. Critics suggest he benefits from drawing fouls, as he leads in free throw makes, yet his diverse scoring methods highlight his offensive versatility.

This season, the Thunder have not permitted a single opponent to score 40 points in a game and have restricted only six players to 30 or more points, emphasizing their exceptional defensive capabilities. Their mix of skilled defenders has made them a nightmare for opposing offenses, particularly in critical moments.

Looking ahead, the Thunder’s future appears bright, with a stockpile of draft picks and a young core. They could accumulate as many as 33 draft picks over the next seven years, positioning them for long-term success. Current performances and playoff aspirations indicate the Thunder’s trajectory may be on the verge of historic achievement.

With significant records to chase and a playoff path that lies ahead, the Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up to solidify their status as a team that opponents should not underestimate, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.