Neutralizing the fast break

[cjw]

Holding OKC to just 4 fast break points (with 14 of own to boot) was a major adjustment from the 21-0 advantage the Thunder had in game 4. Just like against the Heat, they're a much different team when forced to play in the half court. Hit your shots and you cut down on those chances on the other end.

Pop needs to reinforce the need to get back on D to prevent runs that the OKC crowd feeds off of. Tired Thunder legs may be contributing slightly as well, so need to control the pace on offense and use the full eight man rotation with spot appearances from others.

[benstanfield]

Has more to do with only 12 turnovers, 51% shooting, and only 2 blocks for Ibaka. Turnovers, missed shots, and Ibaka blocks are pretty consistent transition buckets for the Thunder regardless of getting back on D.

[cjw]

Only 13 turnovers the other night, but a lot where open court steals ... or out of bounds steals . More so than anything, it's about playing within the system (no dumb passes / getting trapped / no forced shots leading to rebound -> outlet passes) so you're not caught off guard.

[ElNono]

making shots and actually getting calls when Tony was hacked are part of it, tbh... if everything else fails, snipers on the roof normally work too, IMO.

[heyheymymy]

gotta force more half court possessions in okc now for game 6

[UZER]

Crashing the boards with a purpose instead being caught in no man's land halfway between rebounding / getting back helped.