Can OKC's key players overcome Boston's strength in this potential Finals preview? Three crucial matchups will decide it.
Oklahoma City concludes its road trip with a rematch against the Boston Celtics. The Thunder won the previous matchup earlier this month by two points thanks to a brilliant performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The reigning champs are finally at full strength (excluding rookies) for the first time this season, while Boston’s sole sidelined player is trade deadline acquisition Nikola Vučević.
Check out three key matchups for this potential NBA Finals preview.
Thunder’s 3-Point Shooting
Oklahoma City scored a mere 104 points in the previous matchup largely because it shot 25% from beyond the arc on a whopping 44 attempts. Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace were particularly inefficient.
33.1% of opponents’ total field goal attempts against Boston’s defense this season have been catch-and-shoot triples, which is the third-highest rate in the league according to NBA.com. The reigning champs should generate plenty of these shots, especially since the Celtics will load up to attempt to prevent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell from attacking the rim.
If the Thunder manages to sink its triples at a respectable rate, then it will be very difficult for the Celtics to repeat its previous defensive success.
Jalen Williams’ Impact
Williams returned to action against Philadelphia and posted 18 points, four rebounds and six assists in 20 minutes. He will presumably be on a soft minutes restriction, but what can the Santa Clara product provide in his second game back?
Jaylen Brown often physically overwhelmed Oklahoma City’s perimeter defenders in the last matchup, so Williams’ size, length and strength are a welcome addition to the defense. Plus, his services will be needed to guard Jayson Tatum.
On the other end, he adds more creation and scoring. The Thunder were +14 in Gilgeous-Alexander’s 39 minutes during the last matchup compared to -12 in the nine minutes without him. If Williams helps keep the team afloat during the non-Gilgeous-Alexander minutes, then the reigning champs have a great chance to win the contest.
Chet Holmgren’s Defense and Rebounding
Clogging driving lanes and taking away rim attempts from Brown and Tatum would be massive wins for the Thunder’s defense, and Holmgren is the man for the job. His length and mobility can completely disrupt Boston’s rhythm and force them into settling for tough jump shots.
Plus, giving up offensive rebounds to Boston is dangerous because it has excellent 3-point shooters on the court at all times. Oklahoma City cannot let the Celtics grab rebounds and kick the basketball to open shooters. Holmgren will be key to neutralizing this option.