During an 82-game NBA season, the games come quickly. Between getting rest, treatment for injuries, game-planning for specific opponents and traveling, the chances to make adjustments and corrections are minimal. Over the past week, however, the Thunder showed its ability to do just that.
After giving up 112, 123 and 106 points and over 50 percent shooting from the field in its previous three games during the week, along with double-digit offensive rebounds in six straight games, the Thunder looked at itself in the mirror and recognized certain areas where opponents were gaining an advantage. Through work in the film room, on the practice court and at shootaround, the coaching staff was able to work through some problem spots with the team.
On Saturday night against the Charlotte Hornets, the dividends of all of that work was paid back, as it put together a 109-90 win, holding Charlotte to 34.5 percent shooting and just seven offensive rebounds.
“We did a good job because we were able to get specific in shootaround on certain things that are causing us troubles,” Donovan explained. “You have to be working together. Great defenses can play in gray areas. In the game, there’s a lot of gray area.”
“You give those guys scenarios and situations where they have to work through those situations together,” Donovan continued. “Last night we took a step in the right direction.”
Being able to communicate those concepts in limited time, explain them on the floor and then getting players to execute going at full speed is challenging. It takes skill to find the best ways to present the material and work through solutions, but Donovan said that the credit for making strides on defense rests solely on the shoulders of the players.
“It’s probably more of a reflection on these guys. They pay attention, they want to get better as a team and they want to improve,” Donovan said, deflecting any praise for himself or the coaching staff. “They’re experienced enough, committed enough and work hard enough that you’ll see some effects from it.”- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
McGary Stayed Game Ready with the Blue
With a stacked roster filled with big men who have diverse skill sets, the Thunder has another in Mitch McGary, a second-year man who the team wants to continue developing. After spending over three weeks with the Oklahoma City Blue, McGary was recalled by the Thunder on New Year’s Eve and saw action for the team on Saturday night against the Charlotte Hornets.
McGary has seen action in 11 games (six starts) with the Blue this year, recording five double-doubles, while posting averages of 14.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.6 steals in 26.1 minutes per game. In six games with the Thunder, the forward is averaging 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in 5.6 minutes per game. The playing time with the Blue allowed McGary stay sharp, improve on his game and be ready in case his number gets called this week with the Thunder.
“It was a collaboration of the front office, myself and the whole coaching staff,” McGary explained. “They wanted to give me an opportunity to play and get in better shape so I can have an opportunity up here with the Thunder to help the team.”
“I was running the floor, getting the feel back,” McGary continued. “I’m just trying to get the speed back so when I come back and get an opportunity I’ll fit right in.”
