The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder stays a favourite for subsequent season regardless of the susceptible vulnerability revealed throughout the championship run.
Not solely did they be defending champions, in addition they maintained their championship core for subsequent season.
Key gamers akin to Jaylen Williams and Chet Holmgren have already secured long-term contracts, demonstrating OKC’s ambition and dedication.
Nevertheless, NBA insider Brian Windhorst not too long ago revealed the weaknesses the Thunder confirmed throughout his remaining in opposition to the Indiana Pacers, significantly his decisive Sport 7 victory.
ESPN Insiders praised Oklahoma Metropolis’s championship season, highlighting areas for enchancment.
Regardless of their benefit all through the common season, the Thunder weren’t the proper workforce throughout the playoff run.
“The Thunder have been virtually primary workforce all through all of final season they usually have been very helpful champions, however they weren’t the proper workforce,” defined Windhorst.
“They’d two seven recreation collection within the playoffs, however their vulnerability is that they’ve very restricted ball handlers and have a tendency to lift them offensively.”
The offensive limits grew to become significantly evident in key moments when lightning relied closely on the person glow of Shy Gilgauss Alexander, slightly than on the team-oriented ball motion.
“So one factor they need to do is develop a freer flowing assault. They cannot depend on the clutch’s Shy Gilgas Alexander,” added Windhorst.
Windhorst steered that if Tyrese Haliburton had not suffered from Sport 7 accidents, the result of the championship might have been totally different.
The absence of Pacers Guard restricted Indiana’s offensive capabilities in a essential fourth quarter second.
“I actually wish to know what would occur if Tyrese Haliburton wasn’t injured as a result of within the fourth quarter of that match they have been tightened off offensively. The pacers did not have sufficient offensive firepower,” defined Windhorst.
“The Thunder is a champion, however it’s not a very completed product. That is excellent news for followers, however it’s a faint hope for different groups,” Windhorst concluded.
Charles Barkley beforehand criticised coach Mark Daenoo’s lineup change, displaying that he almost sacrificed lightning in Sport 7.
Effectively, pleased for followers, the Thunder youth, and the willingness of the Deen to be taught from errors, regardless of these recognized weaknesses, remains to be harmful to rivals subsequent season.
