OKC Thunder Ranked No. 5 in 'Most Improved Defense' Rankings
If you didn't take into account either the Oklahoma City Thunder's offense or defense, the team would still be a strong Western-Conference contender.
With one league-topping unit, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company are elite enough as is, but adding a second only sweetens the pot — for Thunder fans, at least. Between Gilgeous-Alexander's outrageous offensive showings and Holmgren's ability to deny 15 shots in a two-game span, not only is Oklahoma City well-rounded, it's dominant.
And according to NBA.com, it's enough to fall fifth in the most improved defenses this season.
"The Thunder were the league’s most improved team (statistically) last season," the site wrote. "That improvement was more about an offense that ranked 30th the season prior, [however]. This season, when you take the league average into account, they’ve been more improved defensively."
As a whole, the Thunder's defense has fared well in a star-studded Western Conference. Shutting down opposing star players has played a large role in its ability to put together wins so far this season. Currently, Oklahoma City sits fourth in total defensive rating, but while it's a team effort, it begins at the individual level.
"Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league with 2.8 steals per game," NBA.com continued. "Up from 1.6 last season. The Thunder leads the league in opponent turnover rate (16.3 per 100 possessions), though that’s the same rate as they had last season when they ranked second."
That only makes the Thunder scarier.
Not only is it's defensive unit playing well and creating turnovers both through steals and blocks, but it's still improving. From last season to now, Oklahoma City has seen the largest decrease in opponent shot percentage, especially at the rim — which is largely due to Holmgren's presence.
"Opponents have shot worse in the paint when he’s been on the floor at 53.1 percent than when he hasn’t, where they're 54.4 percent."
So, combining Holmgren with Gilgeous-Alexander makes for a dynamic duo on defense. It was good enough to earn a No. 5 ranking in the NBA, and it's only looked to be getting better from here.
The Thunder is back in action Saturday evening when it takes to Paycom Center once again for a rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.
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