The Oklahoma City Thunder opened the playoffs with a favorable matchup in round one against the Memphis Grizzlies. They were able to defend homecourt by taking a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Grizzlies. In those two games, the Thunder showed exactly who they have been all year by playing stifling defense, and out-hustling and out-working their opponents. The Thunder won Game 1 by 51 points, which was the largest margin of victory for Game 1 in NBA history. They followed that up with a 19-point victory to extend their win streak against the Grizzlies to 11 games. However, the big storyline coming out of the first two games has been the impressive play from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, aka “J-Dub.”
Last year in the playoffs, Chet and J-dub struggled and were very inconsistent in the postseason. It was the first time they were in the playoffs, and a big factor in why the Thunder got eliminated against the Dallas Mavericks. However, this year has not been the case as they have put to rest any concerns about their ability to play in big games so far in the playoffs. Holmgren is averaging 19.5 points while shooting 50.0% from three, and Williams is the Thunder’s leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 22.0 points while shooting 57.1% from the field. Today, we will dive into the big difference from this year compared to last year and why this must continue throughout the playoffs for the Thunder to reach their goal of winning the title.
Chet and J-Dub Have Put to Bed Any Concerns in Round 1
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Been Struggling This Series
One of the big surprises coming from the first two games of this series has been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggling to find his shot. Gilgeous-Alexander, who is the front-runner for MVP, has been uncharacteristically quiet in this series. He is averaging 21.0 points per game while shooting 33.3% from the field and 23.5% from three. If we told you coming into the series against Memphis that Shai would be putting up these numbers, you would have said the Thunder are in trouble. However, that has not been the case, as others have picked up for him, especially Holmgren and Williams.
Despite his struggles, Shai is still providing an elite all-around impact. He is playing great defense and setting up his teammates to be successful, as he still demands a lot of gravity for an opposing defense, even with his struggles. The Thunder aren’t concerned with SGA’s struggles, as it hasn’t been anything Memphis is doing that is making him struggle; he is getting to his spots whenever he wants, they are just not falling yet. Gilgeous-Alexander is too talented for him to keep struggling, and he will soon get back on track.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren Have Been More Aggressive
With SGA struggling, Williams and Holmgren have picked up the workload as they have been more aggressive this time around compared to last year. Williams and Holmgren last year were very passive as they were trying to look for and find the best shot available on every possession. When they got the ball, they weren’t aggressive, looking for their shot or trying to get downhill; they were passing it to the next teammate, trying to keep the ball moving, looking for the best shot.
This year, they have done a better job of being more aggressive with their looks, while also helping set other teammates up. Williams has been more assertive in the non-SGA minutes and was a big factor in helping the Thunder go on a 23-2 run in Game 1, which led to a 51-point blowout win. Even when Gilgeous-Alexander is on the court, he has been more forceful getting to his spots. Chet has done the same thing, attacking downhill, leading the team with six free-throw attempts per game. In addition, every time he is open from behind the arc, he is shooting it with confidence.
Why This Must Continue for The Rest of The Postseason
Williams and Holmgren’s dominant play in the first two games must continue throughout the postseason if the Thunder wants to reach its goal of winning the Finals. Last year, we saw something similar where they played well in round 1 but struggled immensely in round 2, and if that happens again, it could be another disappointing playoff exit. However, if the Thunder get this version of Chet and Jalen throughout the playoffs, paired with Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact once his shot starts falling, then this team will be unbeatable.
The Last Word
Gilgeous-Alexander picked a good series for him to struggle in, as the Thunder are the better team against Memphis. However, if the Thunder advance to the second round, Gilgeous-Alexander must be better and play like an MVP player for them to succeed. Chet and Jalen have answered the biggest test in the playoffs, and so far, in the first two games, have looked like the co-stars Shai and the Thunder need to reach the Finals. Any concern about Holmgren and Williams heading into the playoffs has been put to rest for now. Ultimately, Thunder fans should feel happy with what they are seeing and optimistic for what’s to come in the future.
Photo credit: © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
