OKC Thunder defense presents intimidating challenge for opponents with incredible 3-point stat

The Oklahoma City Thunder has the lowest (best) defensive rating of a team this season, with a 107.2 rating

OKC Thunder defense presents intimidating challenge for opponents with incredible 3-point stat

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder has been exceeding expectations this 2024-25 NBA season. They are #1 in the Western Conference rankings and are looking solid to contend for the NBA title this season. Perhaps their most notable strength on the court is their strong defense. The Thunder, led by their star man Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is a stout defensive unit.

The Oklahoma City Thunder has the lowest (best) defensive rating of a team this season, with a 107.2 rating. This showcases their unity and strength while defending as a team on the court. Their defense has been one of the major reasons for their success this season. A Thunder fan had a unique 3-point stat to explain this situation.

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As per the fan, the Thunder are 44-5 when teams shoot less than 40% from three and 10-7 when they shoot more than 40%. That means no team has prevailed over the Thunder when they don’t shoot more from three. Also, the League average is 35.9%, and shockingly, no team averages 40% or higher, with the Cleveland Cavaliers coming close (39%).

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So one thing is clear: Their oppositions have to do a lot more shooting from the 3-point line and convert, of course, if they were to topple SGA and Co. In addition, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having one of his best seasons. The Thunder star is in the running for the NBA MVP award alongside Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

With the regular NBA season coming to an end, SGA’s approach for the MVP award and title looks set. He recorded a whopping 48 points against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, showcasing his mentality going into the NBA Playoffs in a few weeks.

NBA referee opens up on controversial Thunder-Pistons matchup

Cade Cunningham‘s early exit versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night sparked controversy. Detroit Pistons supporters were upset with the referees for assigning the All-Star two technical fouls. Cunningham’s exchange with a referee appeared to be sufficient to result in an ejection.

Following the game, NBA Crew Chief Brian Forte explained his side of the incident in a pool report with Coty Davis of the Detroit News.

Cunningham was given his first technical foul for disrespectfully addressing an official with profanity. After the free throw for the first technical was shot, Cade continued to use profanity towards the official and received his second technical foul and was ejected.

Brian Forte said,

The Pistons got five technical fouls on the night. On the opposite end, the Thunder had nothing. Given that the Pistons put up a strong effort versus the Western Conference’s top team. This was after Cunningham missed the whole fourth quarter, and they lost their second game in a row, dropping to 37-31 on the season.

Chet Holmgren is expected to return in the Bucks matchup

The Oklahoma City Thunder will encounter the Milwaukee Bucks in an unusual cross-conference encounter, their third of the season. They will conduct this match as part of an NBA Cup Championship match. Notably, their best defender, Chet Holmgren, is scheduled to return for the game. The Thunder now lead the season series 1-0, thanks to a dominating home victory over a depleted Bucks lineup.

Holmgren has exhibited high-level scoring ability, and his game will be critical, particularly with Jalen Williams out. Furthermore, Cason Wallace is currently on a scoring streak, taking on more responsibility and giving steadiness to the offense when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not playing.