A clueless Thunder attack against the stifling Spurs defense

« They gave us a right from the start of the game. That’s two games in a row. » À San Antonio lors du Game 4 hier, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder once again stuttered their start to the match against the intensity displayed by the Texans. But unlike the previous meeting, OKC, trailing by 9 points after 12 minutes (28-19), was not able to fully react this time.

The reigning champion has never managed to impose his rhythm in attack, or to sign a “run” to take things in hand. Nineteen points in each of the first two quarters, 22 for each of the next two, a bench which suffered overall (1/10 for Jared McCain, 2/11 for Aaron Wiggins, zero points for Alex Caruso…), 33% overall success including 18% from a distance…

Mark Daigneault’s men, who had not scored fewer than 108 points in this campaign, had never been so clumsy this year, regular season included. The Thunder who, last night, in addition to Jalen Williams, were deprived of Ajay Mitchell. But the coach knows he has enough depth to compensate.

Not the right approach for the Thunder

« We are capable (of doing without them). I thought we really left something to be desired on this side of the field this evening. We didn’t have the edge, the impact or the precision necessary to make them crack. And they were excellent in defense, in their energy and in their physical dimension. We kind of expected it when we came here: they’re down and they’re playing at home, it’s the kind of thing that’s predictable. But it’s something else when you’re on the floor “, judge Mark Daigneault.

The OKC technician thus analyzes both sides of the same coin. With on one side, a stifling defense from San Antonio, led by its two captains in the matter, Victor Wembanyama of course (3 blocks, 2 interceptions), but also Stephon Castle, who did not let go of “SGA” of the evening. And on the other, an attack lacking imagination.

« Overall, our offensive approach tonight didn’t benefit anyone. It was more of a collective problem, an overall problem on our part. And once again, San Antonio defended very well; It’s a combination of us not being as sharp, and San Antonio being excellent. I don’t know what system I could have announced this evening that would have changed the situation “, continues the coach.

The Spurs spent the evening punishing

During the very first minutes of play, his team managed to identify a favorable pattern of play, insisting with Isaiah Hartenstein unleashed with his “floaters” (4/4 to start) in front of the French scarecrow opposite.

But the rest was less brilliant due to the physical pressure from the locals which fueled the numerous punishments: 18 points on the counter-attack for the Spurs, and 25 points on lost balls. The Thunder, despite the Texan clumsiness (39%), were not able to do the same.

« From there, they play fast, score easy baskets, then set up their defense. And no matter the opponent, it’s always harder to score against a strong defense. […] It really is a snowball effect. When you start with the right energy, this kind of thing comes together well and the attack is fluid. We didn’t start the match with the right energy, it all came down to it. Behind, we were completely amorphous on both sides of the field “, regrets “SGA”.

As the latter says, the Thunder will have to learn the lessons of this match without, while the series, now at 2-2, returns to Oklahoma for a fifth round. HAS” When we lose, a lot of these lessons resonate a little louder, that’s our way of seeing “, the Canadian philosophizes, when his coach points out the obvious: ” We played twelve playoff games, they are not all going to be masterpieces. »