If nothing else, it beats the alternative of relying on Westbrook to jack up 30-plus shots per game.Boston improves to 7-0 this postseason following a loss, winning the next game by an average of 15.6 points.īehind a combined 77 points from Jaylen Brown (27), Jayson Tatum (26) and Marcus Smart (24), the Celtics were able to withstand a game-high 31 points from Stephen Curry and another third-quarter blitz from Golden State to take a 2-1 series lead in front of their home fans at TD Garden. Rather than emulate the Rockets or Denver Nuggets and attempt to outscore all challengers, the Thunder should play into their strengths and lean on their defense to carry them. It may be tricky for OKC to regularly manufacture points outside of George, Schroder and Russell Westbrook, as Roberson, Grant, Noel and Adams are all defensive-minded players. While he’s signed for three more seasons, he’ll need to become far more well-rounded to get another fat contract down the road. That could help him rehabilitate his image around the league, too, after Atlanta soured on him enough to salary-dump him. Since Schroder will be shouldering a much smaller offensive load with the Thunder as a backup point guard, he should theoretically be able to devote more energy toward defense. But much like Anthony, his effort on that end of the floor waxes and wanes unexpectedly. At 6’2″ with a 6’8″ wingspan, he has the physical tools to become an above-average defender, as he was during the 2015-16 season.
Playing well as the backup center on a stifling Thunder defense could afford him that opportunity, especially if he demonstrates the ability to switch assignments freely.ĭennis Schroder will be OKC’s biggest defensive wild card, as he’s been horrendous on that end of the court for much of his career. He’ll have to put his lost 2017-18 campaign in Dallas behind him and be on his best behavior this year to score a bigger payday down the road. His instincts on that end of the floor help him jump into passing lanes and gum up set plays, forcing opponents to improvise on the fly.Īfter gambling on himself and turning down a four-year, $70 million contract offer from the Mavericks last summer, Noel’s market was tepid this year, which caused him to accept OKC’s two-year, $3.7 million deal. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks per game as a rookie, and he ranked among the league leaders in a host of other defensive metrics. The Thunder allowed 2.6 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the bench rather than on the court, which was the third-highest mark among OKC rotation players behind only Corey Brewer (8.9) and rookie wing Terrance Ferguson (7.0).ĭuring his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014-15, Noel almost single-handedly helped an otherwise G League-caliber roster finish with a league-average defense. He ranked 73rd among 84 power forwards last season in ’s defensive real plus-minus, which put him behind the likes of Julius Randle, Dragan Bender and Trey Lyles. Before last season, he typically outweighed his faults on defense with his offensive contributions, making him an overall net positive. In OKC, however, his offense likewise tanked as he struggled to adjust to his new role, which sent him plummeting to a career-worst year.Īs Yahoo Sports’ Dan Devine noted in early March, Anthony was a glaringly obvious target for opponents to attack, which threatened to upend the Thunder’s already-flimsy defense sans Roberson. Anthony has long been ambivalent toward the point-preventing end of the court, as he has never posted a positive mark in defensive box plus-minus in his 15 NBA seasons.