Offensive Efficiency Propelling OKC Thunder So Far, But Only in Certain Facets

While the Thunder's dynamic, high-powered offense has been humming to begin the season, it's not quite as efficient as it could be.

It's been an exciting and promising first several games for Oklahoma City to say the least, and its offense alone has been something to tune in for night in and night out.

Multiple 30-plus point outings from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already, rookie Chet Holmgren and sophomore Jalen Williams both averaging 17 points a night — as well as the team as a whole shooting 39% from deep — has seen the Thunder boast a cohesive, productive offense leveraged by its young core early on.

Lu Dort must be mentioned as well, as he's completely revamped his approach and has emerged a more efficient, confident offensive talent — averaging 15.3 points on 56.3% shooting thus far.

Seven contests in, Oklahoma City has found itself sitting at No. 6 in the West and No. 3 among the Northwest division, being pinned against some stiff competition early on. 

But the team has flashed its ability within its starting five, and its also shown the depth it possesses.

With rookie Cason Wallace providing impactful minutes as a 54.5% 3-point shooter and Isaiah Joe continuing to show his presence from deep as a 40.5% 3-point shooter on a large sample size, this team has some true snipers throughout both its starting and secondary units.

With that in mind, Oklahoma City sits just outside the top ten in the NBA with an offensive rating of 114, but cracks the top five in true shooting percentage with 60.6% to hold the No. 4 spot in the league.

The Thunder's offense as a shooting team has been nothing short of efficient, and the stats will tell you that.

But a full observation of the team's offense will also show you that they're struggling to take care of the ball — averaging 15.1 turnovers with a 14.7% turnover ratio, marking Oklahoma City in the bottom half of the league in both compartments.

What's even more telling is the Thunder are second to last in the league in points off turnovers given to opponents so far with 21 per game, pinning the team second to last in the entire NBA. 

The turnovers have primarily come from Oklahoma City's high-usage players of course, having Josh Giddey leading the team with three per game, Gilgeous-Alexander with 2.5 and Williams with 2.4.

While turnovers are inevitable and incredibly difficult to shrink as an often ball handler along the perimeter, it's been a factor in nearly each of the Thunder's three losses so far.

Though it's early and maybe nit-picky, but if Oklahoma City truly wants to optimize its offense and attempt to rise to the top of the West, the team will have to address its turnover problems and address it promptly.

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