Oklahoma City Turning the 3-Point Corner as of Late

The Oklahoma City Thunder has begun cashing in from beyond the arc at a high clip in its last 12 games, something the team hasn't been as refined at thus far this season.
Jan 26, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Jan 26, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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A season ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder shot the three ball at the highest clip in the NBA, raining treys at 38.9% with its best and most frequent shooters being Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace.

It was a piece of the game that team excelled at, and Lu Dort also felt a huge jump in the 3-point category going from a 33% to 39.4% 3-point shooter in just a single season.

A year later, Oklahoma City has refined its defense, upgraded its rebounding presence and has continued to improve in turnover generation and pushing the ball to score on the break. This team has built a formula that is cracking every team's code, maybe besides the Dallas Mavericks, and it's coming during one of the most difficult months of the season for teams around the NBA.

The month before the All-Star break, players are exhausted from competing nonstop the past three to four months and can sometimes see burnout. Oklahoma City has slowed down itself compared to what we have seen earlier in the season, but the team is still competing well enough to not drop many games.

In the past 12 outings specifically, the Thunder has found its 3-point groove reminscent of last year. This season, its 3-point shooting hasn't nearly touched the 38.9% average from a year ago, as it's now sitting at 35.8% on the season.

That number has been propped up in the last 12 games, as Oklahoma City has found itself among the top three in outside shooting, managing a season-best 39.4% clip from deep throughout this stretch.

It's been helping the team weather an already three-loss storm in that span, but the team will still have to have its competitive edge as the Thunder will be pitted against some talented squads before it enters the All-Star break.


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Nathan Aker
NATHAN AKER

Nathan is a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Public Relations set to graduate in May 2024. He holds experience covering multiple sports, primarily basketball, at the high school and collegiate level.