Why is the Oklahoma City Thunder's defense struggling?

The Thunder's defense is struggling due to significant impacts from injuries to key players, affecting their perimeter defense and ability to contest three-point shots.

What are the Thunder's statistics regarding opponent three-point shooting?

Despite allowing the lowest average points in the NBA, the Thunder are bottom-five in both opponent three-point percentage and three-pointers made.

Which players' injuries have impacted the Thunder's defense?

Injuries to key perimeter defenders like Jalen Williams, and sporadically others like Alex Caruso and Lu Dort, have impacted the team's defensive effort and execution.

Home / Sports / Thunder's Defense Crumbles Against Threes

Thunder's Defense Crumbles Against Threes

31 Jan

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Summary

Team struggles with perimeter defense, allowing opponents to shoot lights out.
Injuries to key defenders have significantly impacted team's ability.
Despite low average points allowed, Thunder is bottom-five in opponent three-point shooting.

Thunder's Defense Crumbles Against Threes

The Oklahoma City Thunder's recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves highlighted significant injury impacts affecting the team's vital functions. Notably, their defense against three-point shooting has faltered considerably.

Opponents are exploiting the Thunder's perimeter defense, with Minnesota shooting 47% from three last night. This vulnerability stems from a consistently short-handed roster throughout the season. Key defenders like Jalen Williams have missed significant time, impacting the team's ability to generate turnovers and transition points.

While the Thunder limit opponents to an average of 108 points, the league's lowest, they are bottom-five in opponent three-point percentage and made threes. This suggests teams are finding success from beyond the arc against Oklahoma City.