Smart Basketball is Powering Oklahoma City's Rise to the Top

It's no secret that Oklahoma City isn't the biggest or strongest team in the NBA. They don't have unbelievable rebounders, and they won't bully you inside on either side of the ball. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is certainly really hard to slow down and is one of the best players in the NBA, but he's not a dominant force of physicality like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid.

Oklahoma City has simply mastered playing to its strengths and understanding what works to get the Thunder into the win column. So far, the formula is simple. Mark Daigneault wants the team to take care of the ball at the highest level, play fast in transition, and make the extra pass. Fundamental basketball is the main way the Thunder have been able to overcome a lack of rebounding or a physical presence inside.

The Thunder ranks third in the NBA in turnover percentage, recording turnovers just 12.3% of the time. Taking care of the ball at a premium has been a key to success and it's a clear part of the team's game plan. Oklahoma City has the fourth-best assist-to-turnover ratio in the league, valuing high level passes and getting everyone involved in the offense.

In addition to taking care of the ball, the Thunder want to do it while still playing as fast as they can. OKC ranks seventh in the NBA in average pace and scores quite a bit in transition. The easy shots at the rim when playing fast is one explanation for Oklahoma City's elevated true-shooting percentage. The team is first in the NBA at 61.5% true shooting and takes so many open shots every game.

Oklahoma City's rebounding percentage is all the way down at No. 28 in the NBA, which is why the team has had to find ways to even up the score. Playing smart, fast, basketball and getting wide open looks has been the game plan all year long.

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