If you are a fan of the NBA, you probably know that the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) are one of the best teams in the league right now. They have a record of 24-11, which puts them in the second spot in the Western Conference. But do you know how they achieve such success? In this article, we will reveal the three hidden strategies that make OKC a top NBA team, and how you can learn from them to watch NBA like a pro.
One of the most obvious reasons why OKC is a great team is their efficient shooting. They have a team field goal percentage of 50.2%, which ranks second in the NBA, only behind the Golden State Warriors. This means that they make more than half of their shots, which is very impressive. But what makes their shooting even more remarkable is that they are not reliant on the three-point shot. Out of 2944 total shots, only 1106 (less than 40%) come from beyond the arc. This shows that they have a balanced offense that can score from anywhere on the court. All of their starters shoot 45% or higher from the field, which is unheard of. They also have a good mix of shots from different zones, which makes them hard to defend. SGA, in particular, is a scoring machine. He has the highest field goal percentage of guards or wings who have played 15 games or more and taken at least 400 shots. He is seventh overall in the NBA, at 55%, and everyone above him is a big man. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the leader at 61%.
The third and final strategy that makes OKC a top NBA team is their use of the inverted 4 out and 1 in. This is a play where 4 of the 5 players on the floor are outside the arc and 1 player is within perimeter. What makes it inverted is the fact that the big man, power forward and or center is typically the one player inside. OKC inverts this by putting their star guard SGA inside on the block and their center Chet Holmgren beyond the arc. OKC uses this play a lot, especially with SGA and Holmgren. SGA is a crafty and explosive guard who can score from anywhere. Holmgren is a skilled and agile big who can shoot from anywhere. When they run this set, they put a lot of pressure on the defense. It mostly cripples the defense and makes them play it straight up, or man to man, which often results in an easy bucket for SGA. If the defense helps, All of OKC’s rotation guys are capable shooters and it leads to a wide-open shot. Either way, they have a high percentage shot or a chance to draw a foul.
OKC is a top NBA team because they have three hidden strategies that make them hard to beat. They have Spacing, Pace, and Talent. These are the secrets that make them a contender in the Western Conference, and a threat to any team in the NBA. If you want to learn more about NBA strategies, and how to watch NBA like a pro, you should subscribe to the Hoop Strategist newsletter. This is a weekly newsletter that provides NBA game tips and insights, NBA strategy explained, NBA teams and concepts, NBA game breakdowns, NBA game secrets, and more. You will learn how to enjoy and understand NBA, how to become a real hooper, and how to learn NBA strategy. The Hoop Strategist newsletter is the best NBA newsletter for fans and learners of all levels. To subscribe, click here and get your first issue for free. You won’t regret it.
