Pacers 107, Thunder 99
INDIANAPOLIS — How does a young team learn how to close out games?
Perhaps there is no way to speed that process. But until the Thunder figures it out we’re likely in store for many more nights like Friday at Utah and Sunday against Atlanta and Monday at Indiana.
Coach P.J. Carlesimo, in eloquently breaking down how to win close games in the NBA, made closing out games sound so simple.
“We need to play a lot better individual defense when the game is on the line, and we need to take better care of the ball,” he said. “I’m encouraged because our overall defense is much improved. But we need people to step up on both ends of the floor in the fourth quarter. It’s not just about making shots. It’s about getting back on defense, guarding your man and defensive rebounding. That’s how you win games.”
Why can’t the Thunder do it? That’s the million dollar question.
Before the final six minutes of tonight’s loss to the Pacers, I thought Oklahoma City played one of its best games of the season. Then it gave up 29 points in the final period, turned the ball over down the stretch and couldn’t make a shot because it continued to settle for jumpers rather than get to the rim.
While some will say this season isn’t about wins, I view every W as a priceless treasure for a young team in search of an identity. Learning is a much more pleasant process when you see your hard work leading to desirable results. Brains tend to shut down when progress isn’t palpable and things seem to be an exercise in futility.
But tonight’s downfall was clear. The Thunder got away from what made it so successful in a first quarter that saw it take a 34-24 advantage and once lead by 15. In the first period, Oklahoma City had 10 assists, six coming from Earl Watson. OKC had just nine in the final three periods.
When the Thunder stopped moving the ball the easy shots dried up. OKC shots 52 percent in the first quarter, and it’s no coincidence that it shot 25 percent in the second (four assists in the period), 41 percent in the third (three assists) and 35 percent in the fourth (two assists).
Nick Collison said it best….
“When Kevin (Durant) scores close to 40, it’s great for us, but we’ve got to find a way to get some easy buckets, too.”
Until then, OKC figures to be on the wrong end of close games.
-DM-
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Comments
okay, the comment moderation is for the birds. this blog is awesome because it’s instant! are there that many people typing naughty things on here? don’t tell me you did it because of the ‘OKC Potatoes’ thing, it’s harmless. don’t make all of us suffer because of ed.
The Thunder need to play 4 consistent quarters if they want to win games. Only the best teams can afford to take 1 or 2 quarters off and still have a chance to win a game.
I don’t miss Ed at all. Good riddance!
Go OKC Thunder!!!
Hahaha….you guys might not win 10 games this year (I mean there is a chance you break that threshold…).
Nothing is going to change until PJ is out. Plain and simple, he is a horrible coach.
Even if DM rides roughshod over all of us, it’s still got to be better than the main NewsOK site, where all manner of slimy creatures ooze out of the woodwork and into the comments section.
DM, you seem to think the Thunder is a good team. They’re not.