Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder massive man Chet Holmgren was anticipated to take a step ahead throughout his second season of energetic competitors within the NBA.
Up to now, so good.
By means of two video games, Holmgren is averaging 23 factors and 15 rebounds and taking pictures 52.8 % from the ground.
He’ll look to proceed his robust begin when the Thunder open their house schedule towards the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
Whereas Holmgren has been glorious, so has the Thunder’s protection.
It is early, however Oklahoma Metropolis is permitting an NBA-best 91 factors per recreation.
“We simply have loads of guys which can be good at getting deflections, good at anticipating, taking part in passing lands,” Thunder guard Alex Caruso mentioned. “At any cut-off date, we have three to 5 guys that may guard the opposite crew’s finest participant or be within the passing lane on the bottom.”
Whereas lots has gone proper for the Thunder to date, they’ve struggled from distance.
Oklahoma Metropolis has made simply 8 of 38 makes an attempt from 3-point vary (21.1 %), which ranks solely forward of the Indiana Pacers (19.7 %) within the NBA.
Sunday’s recreation is the second of a back-to-back for the Thunder, who recorded a 114-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night time. It is also first of a back-to-back set for the Hawks.
The Thunder are in search of their first 3-0 begin since 2016-17. It hasn’t been fairly as lengthy for Atlanta, who final began 3-0 in 2020-21.
Trae Younger has began sizzling for the Hawks.
The three-time All-Star is averaging 34 factors and 11 assists. He’s simply the second participant in NBA historical past to start a season with back-to-back video games of at the least 30 factors and 10 assists.
The opposite was Oscar Robertson in 1961-62. Robertson did it within the first three video games that season.
In Friday’s 125-120 house win over Charlotte, Younger had 38 factors, 10 assists, eight rebounds and 4 steals.
“It is not going to be the identical each night time, clearly,” Younger mentioned. “You wish to attempt to attempt to have that.”
Whereas Younger is engaged on turning into a extra well-rounded participant, enhancing his protection, he is additionally not backing away from his aggressive method on the different finish.
Up to now, he is averaging 2.5 steals and 5 turnovers and taking pictures 45 % from the ground and 35 % from past the arc.
“I can not cease being aggressive at any level within the recreation, irrespective of if my photographs fall and if I’ve had a few turnovers right here and there,” Younger mentioned. “I’ve acquired to proceed to remain aggressive for my teammates. As a result of, I imply, that is what attracts two individuals.”
Younger has made 25 of 29 makes an attempt from the free-throw line, serving to Atlanta common 42 free-throw tries per recreation.
Oklahoma Metropolis is averaging simply 16 makes an attempt from the road to date.
The groups break up their two conferences final season, with every crew successful at house.
–Discipline Stage Media
