As of Nov. 7, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.3 through eight games.
For context, the average defensive rating league-wide is 113, highlighting just how dominant the Thunder defense has been.
Like last season, the Thunder continue to deploy a defensive strategy that involves sending multiple help defenders when the ball nears the basket. The result has been some of the best rim protection in the league, as opponents have shot a measly 59.5% on shots within three feet of the basket according to Basketball Reference.
Holmgren’s Dominance at the Rim
This elite defense has been led by Chet Holmgren, who has been a force.
In the Thunder’s most recent home game against the Orlando Magic, Holmgren helped the Thunder hold the Magic to just 86 points. In only 21 minutes, he recorded two blocks and nine rebounds. His impact in pick-and-roll defense eliminated shot attempts, blocking the potential pass to Goga Bitadze while also maintaining defense on Franz Wagner eventually rejecting a layup attempt.
Holmgren’s presence at the rim frequently draws away offensive players. In the pick-and-roll, Magic players would often resort to perimeter passes or mid-range jumpers to avoid the rim presence of Holmgren.
This rim deterrence strengthens an already torturous Thunder defense. With teams unable to produce easy looks at the rim, they are forced to try and create shots on the perimeter, where they face tough defenders like Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Luguentz Dort.
As seen in the play below, the Thunder defense makes even the simple act of advancing the ball up the court difficult.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder defense hounds ball handlers, leading the league with 22.6 deflections per game.
This will be crucial as they will likely face skilled guards such as Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic in the Western Conference playoffs. It will be interesting to see how this Thunder defense adapts when newly-signed center Isaiah Hartenstein joins the lineup. Will Holmgren take on a primary help defender role? Will Holmgren and Hartenstein often share the floor? And how will this impact the Thunder’s ability to send multiple help defenders at the ball and rotate back to the perimeter?
The Thunder next face off against the Houston Rockets at home at 8 p.m. Friday. The last regular season meeting between the teams was in March 2024, with the Thunder securing a 132 to 126 victory.
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