Slow Start Dooms Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder were outscored 40-26 in the first quater on Firday. Despite getting the Heat lead down to eight in the fourth quarter, the Thunder finshed on the low side 115-108.

As with any 82 game season, you will experience different trends throughout the year. For the Thunder, the third-quarter use to be the killer. Now it's the first. For the third time in four games, the Thunder have found themselves outworked to start a game, and as a result, they end up on the losing end. Friday, the Heat got the better of Oklahoma City 115-108. 

After Friday's loss, Billy Donovan was asked what's connecting the slow first quarter starts. "We're responding to the game instead of dictating the game," Donovan says there's not enough resistance from the Thunder at the beginning of games, and that teams can score too easy.  The Heat outscored Oklahoma City 40-26 in the first quarter on 65 percent shooting. 

Gallinari with his 7th three of the night!
Don't miss Thunder Live immediately following the game on @FOXSportsOK#ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/tgabMTp53G

— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) January 18, 2020

Miami was getting a good amount of those points in the paint. Even with the return of Nerlens Noel Bam Adebayo was able to net 21, while as a team the Heat won the battle inside 44-34.  Maimi did an excellent job of forcing the Thunder into taking threes and low percentage twos with their zone defense. Donovan thinks the Thunder got too stagnant in the first half and settled for jump shots, but did a better job in the second half of working both inside and outside.   

Terrance Ferguson left the game after playing 7:18. Ferguson was suffering from illness, according to the Thunder. Donovan did not have an update after the game.  

CP3 putting the Thunder within seven! 🚨#ThunderUp | 🔗https://t.co/A7h89OBRR8 pic.twitter.com/Vsq8ffwChG

— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) January 18, 2020

The Thunder will get a few hours rest before facing the Carmelo Anthony and Trailblazers on Saturday.  Portland is 4-6 in their last 10 and will be on the second of a back to back themselves after facing the Mavericks on Friday. Tipoff is at 8 pm on Fox Sports Oklahoma.