OKC Thunder Not Using Youth as Excuse in Early Stages of Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder is an above-.500 despite being the second-youngest team in the league.

Experience is an incredibly beneficial thing to have in the NBA. Teams that have more of it typically find themselves in better positions. The Oklahoma City Thunder, though, doesn't have the most experience on paper. 

As the second-youngest team in the NBA, the Thunder is still 6-4 in the early part of the season. And, as mentioned, the Thunder doesn't have the most experienced team on paper.

The youth of the team, however, is no excuse for the Thunder. They hold themselves to the same standard as any other team would. After taking down the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night, second-year forward Jalen Williams emphasized as such.

“We don't want any excuses. That accelerates our growth as well, not wanting to be considered young -- even though Ous is like 15," Williams joked. "Guys are more willing and know that they're capable of a lot so we hold ourselves to that standard.”

This young Thunder team over the past two seasons has often found itself in close battles toward the end of games. Still, their youth was no issue as they often closed games strong.

Williams has had a few rough games to start the season but continues to be one of the best players on the team. In the win against the Suns, he finished with 31 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting night. 

A big thing for this young Thunder team is their seasoned offense, both in the halfcourt and fast break. Last season, the turnover-to-assist ratio was impressive. This season, it's taken a bit of a drop but is bound to level out. For a young team, that's not what is typically expected.

The Thunder carries itself like a playoff team and holds itself to the same expectation despite being the second-youngest team in the league. There is plenty of growing to be done this season, but the team's mindset will be one of the many reasons they'll eventually be playing postseason basketball. 

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