Sure, the Thunder could look ahead to Oct. 26 and the 2016-17 season opener in Philadelphia, but with just one preseason game remaining on the schedule, Head Coach Billy Donovan’s group is intent on developing that on-court unity that will be crucial to advancing the team’s overall ability during the season.
With so many injuries, particularly in the frontcourt, to start U.S. Cellular Thunder Training Camp, Donovan has had to simply find ways to get his guys as many minutes as possible to help them get in rhythm for the season. Having a group that is flexible and team-oriented has helped Donovan navigate those waters.
“They’re good team guys, good workers, they understand the importance every day of trying to build habits and create an identity of how we want to play,” Donovan said. “The transition piece of it for all of us has been good because of the kind of people who are here.”
At long last, the Thunder nearly had a full squad on the court on Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as Steven Adams, Enes Kanter and Andre Roberson all returned to action. Cameron Payne remains out with a broken foot and Alex Abrines suffered a hip contusion during the game, but it was still a welcome sight to have most of the Thunder’s anticipated rotation intact. The connection between Thunder teammates off the court showed by their cohesion on it during the 48 minutes on Sunday.
“What’s been good is how much time our injured players spend around the team anyway,” Adams said. “Even though it’s not live or in a game, it helps glue you quicker. When you’re in the game you don’t feel different.”
Oct. 17: Camp Talk With Steven Adams
- While most of Donovan’s concern so far in camp has been getting his players time on the court, he’s also wanted to assess certain combinations. On Sunday he ended up staggering Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo for most of the game, and also wanted to take a look at Joffrey Lauvergne at power forward alongside a number of other front court players, including Adams, Kanter and Domantas Sabonis.
- Steven Adams scored 20 points in his return to play, which would have been a regular season career-high. Not only did he finish off dunks on lobs and dishes from Russell Westbrook, he also finished with little hook shots, floaters and push shots within eight feet of the basket. In typical form, Adams shrugged off any credit thrown his way:
- One of the seven Thunder players who scored in double figures against Minnesota was Victor Oladipo, who Donovan said had one of his best games with the Thunder thus far. Although he’s still finding his comfort zone in his transition to the Thunder, Oladipo earned high praise from his coach:
- While the Thunder rookie forward Sabonis has started all five preseason games thus far, it was just the second chance Steven Adams had to play alongside the Lithuanian youngster. Here’s the Big Kiwi’s take on his preseason frontcourt mate:
- Donovan was thrilled by the ball movement his team generated against the Timberwolves, praising the 50 percent shooting from the field and the 23 assists that led to seven different double-digit scorers. He’d like to see the turnovers (19) come down, but was happy to have such diversified offense.
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• “I was just throwing them up bro, seeing what happens,” Adams chuckled. “It turned out okay. I didn’t get in trouble or anything.”
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• “He’s extremely self-reflective. I’ve often found that the best players I’ve had a chance to be around are more introspective. People have a tendency to look outwards for their reason for not playing well. The best players look inwards. Victor is that kind of guy… His number one asset in my opinion is his motor, his energy, his passion and his fire. When he’s playing like that, it really elevates him and elevates our team.”
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• “The dude (Sabonis) is so smart, with his basketball IQ and reads,” Adams said. “The good thing about him is that when you give him advice, it’s not falling on deaf ears. He’s actually trying to use the information and implement it in his game, which is terrific because it helps our system out a whole bunch and makes progress a lot faster.”
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• “Scoring has to be generated through your system,” Donovan said. “Through ball movement, player movement, finding the open man, hitting the paint, getting to the free throw line. That’s what I think happened.”
Coach Donovan Following Today's Practice