The NBA Cup was launched by the league for the only objective of driving added curiosity to the league within the early goings of the season in what would in any other case be perceived as “meaningless” video games. And for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, they managed to e-book a spot within the quarterfinals of the competitors after demolishing the Utah Jazz, 133-106, to complete prime of their group with some extent differential of +45 — knocking the Phoenix Suns out of rivalry consequently following the Dallas Mavericks’ comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Level differential not often issues within the NBA within the scheme of playoff positioning or something of the kind; often, this solely signifies how dominant a crew has been by way of the course of the common season. However the NBA Cup’s format has included level differential into the combination, subsequently incentivizing groups to run up the rating to realize a extra favorable place within the group standings — one thing that Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is not notably keen on.
“Zero [temptation to run up the score]. Primary due to participant well being,” Daigneault mentioned, per Brandon Rahbar of Day by day Thunder. “I don’t love the design as a result of it incentivizes that.”
For the Thunder head coach, there’s a sure degree of integrity that he needs to uphold on any given evening — win or lose. And he does not need to take a look at the basketball gods by doing one thing that might require cosmic comeuppance.
“There’s a sure grace you win with.. they’ve created an incentive that flips that on its head,” Daigneault added. “There’s an angel and satan in your shoulder, we’re going with the angel.”
Upholding the unwritten guidelines of the game appears to be working for the Thunder, as they should win simply three extra NBA Cup video games to get themselves fairly the good payday.
The league higher be fearful of the Thunder
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Even with out Chet Holmgren, the Thunder look each little bit of the championship contender many had them as heading into the 12 months. Their two-way prowess is phenomenal, and their protection is reaching historic ranges of greatness — with everybody doing their half to propel the crew to nice heights.
The Thunder are at present permitting simply 103.9 factors per 100 possessions, and their protection can mess up different groups in a mess of how. They’ve prolonged defenders throughout each place, and their defensive vary is creating havoc — forcing 19.2 turnovers a contest. And they are going to be even higher as soon as Holmgren and Alex Caruso return to the rotation.