After an exceptional regular season at 68 victories, did the Thunder have the kidneys strong enough to repeat this same domination in playoffs? We will have a taste of this potential with this series in the face of the Grizzlies. For a long time, the teammates of JA Morant were on the podium of the Western Conference, before cracking after the All-Star Game. Do they have the means to hinder the best NBA team? We doubt a lot … Especially since they remain on nine defeats in a row against OKC!
Presentation of the Thunder
Holder : S. Gilgeous-Alexander, L. Dort, J. Williams, C. Holmgren, I. Hartenstein
Replacement : A. Caruso, J. Williams, K. Williams, I. Joe, A. Wiggins…
Absent : O. DIENG
Coach : M. DAIGNAULT
Mark Daigneault has created a nine rotation, ten absolutely formidable players. Everyone knows their role by heart, and it is as strong in attack as in defense. Difficult to find flaws in this training which was not far from reaching 70 regular season victories in the most raised conferences. Proof of this total domination on the league, OKC finished the regular season with a Average difference of around 13 points (12.87 pts/m). It is a record in history. Another stat eloquent: the Thunder displays a rate of 64% of victories when led by 10 points and more in a meeting. There too, it is a record, and it demonstrates this ability to never panic and overthrow complicated situations.
In short, all the lights are green, especially since the infirmary is empty, and that SGA and his teammates took advantage of the end of the season to recharge the batteries. It will probably be necessary to wait for the second round to really know what this team has in the belly.
The strong point
Confidence at the top. The Thunder does not have a strong point, but strong points! The attack is at the level of the defense, the workforce is dense, there is also the future MVP of the NBA, without forgetting the advantage of the field … all boosted by a confidence that continues to progress from week to week. Nothing seems to reach this group, capable of adapting to all types of basketball.
The weak point
An excess of confidence? It may be the very small question on the Thunder: are Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates sheltered from an excess of confidence? A priori yes because they took a year more, and that last year already, they had slapped the Pelicans in the first round. They do not play small arm, but faced with grizzly girls who have nothing to lose, you should not be sufficient.
Presentation of grizzly
Holder : J. MORANT, S. PIPPEN JR, D. BANE, J. Jackson JR, Z. EDEY
Replacement : S. Aldama, G. Jackson, L. Kennard, V. Williams Jr, J. Konchar, J. Huff, M. Bagley…
Absent : J. Wells, B. Clarke
Coach : T. iisalo
Even if the Grizzlies had to go through two rounds of “play-in” to qualify, the teammates of JA Morant have long been one of the best NBA teams. We do not win by 48 victories by chance, with his share of injuries, and even a surprise change of coach. Memphis remains a very dangerous team, in the top 6 teams at the best differential in the season, but also attacks. At full speed, Memphis can compete with any western team, even on a series of playoffs. Except maybe with OKC …
The strong point
Fire attack! Put in orbit by JA MORANT, the Grizzlies like to run, and play a transition basketball. They are number 1 of the NBA on the points registered on transition, and it is the team that play the most. When Morant is launched, the goal is to put the opponents on the heels with lieutenants capable of hitting first intention like Desmond Bane or Santi Aldama with 3-point, or “JJJ” near the circle.
The weak point
The bench. Since taking office, Iisalo has made strong choices by integrating Zach Edey into the starting five, and leaving Luke Kennard from the rotation. Unfortunately, he must also compose with two absent from the brand: the Rookie Jaylen Wells and the unfortunate Brandon Clarke. As a result, the bench is mainly due to Aldama's activity, one of the best replacements this season. And when Jackson Jr takes mistakes too quickly, it's a bit of the desert behind …
The keys to the series
– The offensive rebound. Since the creation of the Edey-Jackson JR pair, the Grizzlies have displayed one of the best rates in the offensive rebound in the whole league. Memphis finished on the podium of the league with one in three shot which falls in his hands. With the Holmgren-Hartenstein duo, OKC has the respondent, but the mobility of “JJJ” can hinder them.
– Ja more. Hardly touched by ankle against the Warriors, the old All-Star hugged his teeth against the Mavericks. What will he be on a series of playoffs where he will have read sleeps and then Alex Caruso on his back? We expect him that he does not take the cover too much and that he is able to play on half-terrain.
Regular season
Thunder 4-0
– December 30: Okc -Memphis (130-106)
– February 9: Memphis – Okc (112-125)
– March 6: Memphis – Okc (103-120)
– March 28: Okc -Memphis (125-104)
VERDICT
OKC 4-0. We would like grizzleas to give thread to the Thunder, but Memphis clearly cannot afford the best team in the NBA. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and its partners remain on nine row victories against the grizzlyats, and this season, their successes have been with differences between +13 and +24 … which does not help Memphis, is that the Thunder is number 1 of the NBA in defense, especially on half-terrain, and the grizzlies do not like to play on half-terrain …
CALENDAR
Game 1: in OKC, Sunday April 20 (7:00 p.m.)
Game 2: in OKC, Tuesday April 22 (01:30, on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday)
Game 3: in Memphis, Thursday April 24 (3:30 am, on the night of Thursday to Friday)
Game 4: in Memphis, Saturday April 26 (9:30 p.m.)
Game 5*: at OKC, Tuesday April 28
Game 6*: in Memphis, Thursday, May 1st
Game 7*: in OKC, Saturday May 3
* If necessary.
