Fresh legs matter. Thunder must punch first, attack the paint, and dominate the glass to avoid a dangerous trap against an undermanned Hawks squad.
On the second night of a back-to-back, games like this often test a team’s maturity more than its talent. The Oklahoma City Thunder return home facing an Atlanta Hawks squad that will be without Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Kristaps Porziņģis.
On paper, it’s a matchup the Thunder should control. In reality, these are the types of games that can become uncomfortable and unpredictable if the details slip. If the Thunder want to handle business, these three keys will define the night.
1. Start Fast Despite the Back to Back
The most important stretch of the game may be the opening six minutes. Coming into the second night of a back to back, it’s easy to let heavy legs dictate the tempo early, especially against a undermanned opponent.
That’s exactly what Atlanta will be hoping for, a slow start that allows them to hang around and play freely.
For the Thunder, the objective should be to punch first. Pushing the pace off rebounds, attacking early in the shot clock, and applying defensive pressure can quickly establish control.
A fast start doesn’t just build a lead, it sends a message that this won’t be a night where effort alone can keep the Hawks competitive. At home, with fresh energy from the crowd, the Thunder have an opportunity to separate early and avoid playing a full 48 minute grind.
And quite frankly, it’s exactly what the Thunder need right now.
2. Attack the Paint Relentlessly
With Porziņģis unavailable, Atlanta’s interior defense takes a significant hit. This should be a green light for the Thunder to prioritize rim pressure over perimeter settling. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting downhill, Jalen Williams attacking closeouts, and consistent off ball cutting should put constant stress on the Hawks’ help defense.
This doesn’t just mean scoring at the rim, it means forcing rotations, drawing fouls, and creating easy kick out opportunities once the defense collapses. When the Thunder are at their best, the offense flows from paint touches.
Against a Hawks team lacking size and rim protection, living in the paint should be the foundation of the game plan, especially early when the Thunder can dictate physicality.
3. Win the Rebounding Battle
Undermanned teams survive by extending possessions, and rebounding is often the equalizer. Without Johnson and Porziņģis, Atlanta lacks its usual presence on the glass, and the Thunder must take advantage.
Securing defensive rebounds will prevent second chance points that can keep the Hawks within striking distance, while offensive rebounding can further wear them down.
Just as importantly, winning the glass allows the Thunder to run. Clean rebounds lead to transition opportunities, which ties directly back to starting fast and attacking before the defense is set. If the Thunder control the boards, they control the tempo, and that’s when their depth and athleticism become overwhelming.
In a game where the Thunder will be favored, the challenge is avoiding complacency. By setting the tone early when they haven’t been getting off to the best starts, relentlessly attacking the paint, and dominating the glass, the Thunder can turn a potentially tricky back to back into a professional, controlled performance, exactly what good teams do when opportunity presents itself.