It was the final chance for the Thunder to see what it has before the regular season starts. An opportunity to get into a rhythm, to test out different lineups and player combinations. In the end, the Thunder’s 97-87 home victory over the Denver Nuggets was a perfect way to close out the exhibition schedule and learn some crucial lessons before the real games begin.
Head Coach Billy Donovan’s stated goal heading into this final preseason tune-up was to get his core players into more of a rhythm, to see some of the newcomers along the frontline play with different teammates and to get some of the youngsters experience. Check. Check. Check.
That’s precisely how the game played out, starting with Steven Adams getting into a flow – much needed considering the fourth-year big man missed three and a half preseason games. Adams scored 11 of his team-high 17 points in the opening 12 minutes of action, shooting 5-for-5 from the field in the first quarter.
Adams’ scoring barrage began on the Thunder’s first basket of the game, as he squared up his defender and took him baseline, scoring on a slick layup. Adams proceeded to score in a variety of ways: post-up layups, a monster put-back dunk, hook shots in the lane and his own personal brand of push shots from about six feet out.
“He’s learned an enormous amount and I’m sure he’s been able to apply that in his personal development,” Donovan said. He gains more and more confidence offensively. I’m happy for him because Steven works hard. He’s a team guy. He’s very conscientious. It’s good to see him doing some things he’s been doing offensively.”
In the first quarter the Thunder racked up 11 of its 25 total assists, led by Russell Westbrook’s shot creation off the dribble. The Thunder made its move to secure the win, however, with its defense in the second quarter. Donovan’s group outscored Denver 16-2 to start the period, and nearly seven straight minutes passed in the period before the Nuggets finally hit their first field goal.
While throughout the first half the Thunder struggled to finish off defensive possessions with rebounds and also fouled far too many times. On the night the Thunder committed 28 fouls that gave Denver 30 free throw attempts, a number that Donovan and company want to see come down.
“We really have to stop fouling,” said guard Victor Oladipo. “That’s going to be huge for us. Defensively I think we’re going to be very good but we have to make sure we don’t foul and finish every possession with a board.”
While there was some positive and some to be desired on the defensive end, it was mostly beautiful basketball on offense for the Thunder. Led by Russell Westbrook’s nine assists in the first half, the Thunder racked up 11 helpers in the first quarter when it shot 15-for-27 from the field.
By halftime, eight different Thunder players had scored as the team generated 17 assists on 25 made baskets compared to just six turnovers. In those first two periods, Donovan put his players in comfortable positions within the flow of normal rotations and player groupings, and the results showed on the court.
“We showed a little bit of stamina on offense in terms of staying with ball movement, player movement and getting to the second and third sides of the floor,” Donovan said. “That was positive. We scored out of our concepts and got some good actions out of that.”
“We’re starting to build some chemistry, starting to get used to each other, knowing each other’s tendencies and things like that,” Oladipo added. “We just have to keep building on it.”
An 11-2 run by Denver started the second half, but the Thunder responded with nine unanswered points, battling back even though Westbrook didn’t play after halftime. The Nuggets again made a charge, scoring 11 straight points to start the fourth quarter.
Although the Thunder starters and core rotation players didn’t play much in the final frame, Donovan got big buckets from Josh Huestis and Semaj Christon down the stretch to seal the victory and leave a good taste in the team’s mouth before the regular season begins.
Watch Highlights vs. DEN:
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By the Numbers
17 – Points for Steven Adams on 8-for-12 shooting, in addition to nine rebounds in just 25 minutes
34.8 – Shooting percentage the Thunder held the Nuggets to on the night, in addition to 16 turnovers
25 – Assists for the Thunder on the night, including 11 in the first quarter alone- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Last Word
“From our last game to this game I thought we made some positive strides. Our defense was better. Some of what we just did a better job on our coverages.” – Head Coach Billy Donovan