Isaiah Joe’s Scoring Critical to Oklahoma City’s Postseason Run

Isaiah Joe was one of the biggest surprises of Oklahoma City’s breakout season. The sharpshooter was just what the Thunder needed and fits in perfectly with the team’s core.

Joe finished the season shooting 40.9% from 3-point range, contributing 9.5 points per game off the bench. He took 5.4 triples per night and his confidence grew with more opportunities. Joe was responsible for a few Thunder wins by himself, like his breakout against the Mavericks that eventually proved to be the play-in clinching game.

The Thunder were down 16 to the Mavs with 5 minutes left back on October 29th

Isaiah Joe checked in and scored 7 points to help force overtime and win in one of the most improbable comebacks of all time

This W is why OKC just made the play in over Dallas pic.twitter.com/hXNQ4XjZDe
— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) April 8, 2023

Matchup up with the New Orleans Pelicans in the first game of the play-in tournament could spell trouble for a team like the Thunder. The Pelicans can get hot in a hurry from downtown and have a strong big man down low in Jonas Valanciunas. As head coach Mark Daigneault mentioned yesterday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be double-teamed all game long.

Against the Pelicans, and beyond, if the Thunder make a run, outside shooting will tell the story for Oklahoma City. When Gilgeous-Alexander is double-teamed, he’ll need his teammates to step up and knock down open 3-pointers. Joe should see plenty of ball reversals and kick out’s come his way, and a few 3-point buckets could end up being the difference in the game.

At this point in the season, Joe has proven he’s much more than just a 3-point shooter too. He’s a scorer. Joe has displayed a strong step back jumper and plenty of poise on drives to the basket. He’s comfortable shooting in the midrange and has underrated athleticism that comes in spurts.

Joe has been OKC’s points leader off the bench for the majority of the season and continues to make major strides in his game. His scoring ability in the postseason will be crucial to take the pressure off of Gilgeous-Alexander. Especially in a seven game series, as teams game plan to stop SGA getting to the rim, Joe could have a few massive games.

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