Thunder's Offensive Improvement is a Positive Sign of Development
Last season, Oklahoma City's defense put on a clinic. Mark Daigneault got the buy-in and effort from his young team and it's how the Thunder stayed in games. While the results haven't been the same through ten games this season, the groundwork is still there, and it's clear Oklahoma City is capable of reaching that level again.
This year, it has been a different story. Oklahoma City's offense has been lighting teams up. The Thunder currently sits at 6-4, two games above .500, and potential to improve even more. Fans should be truly encouraged by the impressive start to the season.
Statistically speaking, Oklahoma City ranked No. 8 in points per game and is scoring at an efficient rate. The team is fourth in both field goal percentage and 3-point percentage, which would be a significant jump from a season ago. The Thunder's offensive rating is good for seventh in the NBA. The team's true shooting percentage is 60.1%, which ranks third among all teams.
Plenty of Oklahoma City's offensive success relies on three players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.4 points per game on 52.6% shooting, which is even more impressive considering the 7-point, 2-of-16 performance he had against Denver.
Williams has looked every bit as good as he did finishing down the stretch a season ago, averaging 17.9 points on 52.4% shooting. He looks like the clear No. 2 option for the Thunder.
Holmgren has been shockingly dominant on the offensive end for a rookie. He's averaging 16.4 points per game on 54.9% shooting and 50% from 3-point range. His efficiency has been absurd through ten NBA games.
Once the Thunder figures out how to combine last season's defense with this season's offense, the team will shoot up the standings even more. It's been a positive development for this young squad.
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