I'd almost move Wallace to the started two and bring Dort in on the second unit. The second unit is a nasty Dort/Caruso at guard with whoever you want to mix and match with them. Not the Dort is bad in any way. Wallace just gives you more on the offensive end without losing a ton of defense not have Dort out there. Dort still gets his minutes Just as a second unit guy and someone you bring in so someone else can rest or in foul trouble. Defender are always better around 30 minutes a game. They are fresh.
@MoralesCorner Because they are so much better than anyone else that it is almost like a non-sequitur which is usually found humorous because it sharply defies expectation. Hope this is a satisfactory answer.
I Hart had the 2nd best defensive FG% reduction on/off. Chet was 5th. Wemby was somehow in the bottom half on the statistic tho. Maybe the spurs have horrific defence elsewhere or he doesn't contest and is going too much for flashy blocks
@@tusharbhudia9421maybe actually watch the games? Or at least look at all the stats (spurs were all time bad defensively with wemby off the court and above average with him)
I've been a fan of OKC since I hopped on the bandwagon in 2012. Had amazing years but never was able to get over the hurdle back into the Finals. But this year feels like it did in 2012. I really think this OKC team can go to the Finals and possibly even become the NBA Champions. I know we're only 5 games into the gear and a lot can happen between November and April. But I haven't been this excited about a season probably since 2016-17 when KD left. Only reason I was so excited about that season was the extra spice added to the OKC vs GS rivalry and of course I knew Westbrook was about to go berserk (had no idea he'd go off the way he did though). All that to say this team is special. The defense has been incredible to watch AND we haven't even seen Hartenstein take the floor yet.
Okc is so good at this kind of stuff when casually watching a game and distracted by other things going on around me? I can't even tell who's on the court, really. And idc. Are those their starters? Bench guys? Is that Wiggins I see or Cason? Doesn't seem to matter and I couldn't care less. They all play the same way. One goes out, here comes another. They should just do away with numbers and names. Great defense doesn't have a face and everyone is the star. I also appreciate how Presti understands the KIND of defense it takes to win games with in todays league. Its a different kind of animal. Some say "Well he just copied the Celtics blueprint." Well if he did? Who better to copy? Great work.
80% of their rotation right now being about 3 inches apart while their defense is swarming doesn't help either in being able to tell who's who. Their defense is fun to watch operate.
Who copied who? OKC had SGA/Dort/JDub/Chet already before Boston traded for Jrue and Porzingis, and that group without Chet was already putting the league on notice in 22/23. I think Boston just saw how successful that group was and said "lets put together the All-Star version of that". Boy did they, and good on Boston for that. Boston just feels like who this OKC team will be in 3-4 years, only with a deeper and better bench already.
aside from centers, they are all guards yet they compare them to celtics. celtics have all the sizes from guards to bigger forwards to centers. cetlics duo are both forwards, bigger and stronger than okc's rosters who are like all skinny like a boyband.
They should not trade any of those picks Keep hoarding them This way you can keep your salary down You can replace bench players without having to over pay for players It keeps the core intact Lets them grow and eventually vets will sign through FA
Its also more like what Presti has gotten from those picks. As long as they keep hitting and turning to a 2-way big wing with shooting as their floor, nobody will care to ask what happened to guys OKC drafted in recent years like Poku.
I'm a Mavs fan and I think we have a very solid and very deep team. The one team I'm very worried about in the West, definitely OKC. They are so young, have a ton of draft picks, solid offensive and great defense. They are legit scary and going to be for years to come.
dynasty is a crazy overhype. they haven't made it past the 2nd round or even signed jdub and chet to real contracts yet this team is gonna be in luxury tax hell especially with a BACKUP center on a 30 million a year contract. half their team is on rookie contracts and they're already above the luxury tax just imagine once they give chet and jdub max rookie extensions
@ I’d rather have the headache of how to deal with too much talent than comfortably managing mediocrity. But you’re right. Navigating the 2nd apron is going to be tough
@Jeremy-ot6pb they're actually 10 million under the luxury tax this year chet and Jalen are gunna be big costs regardless but we do got alot of good assets to trade and shift around too
Imo they dont have enough to win a championship, they remind me of a younger okc ironically. Such insane young talent on such team friendly deals. New cba rules they gonnhave to make a decision in the coming years tho
@@Jeremy-ot6pb OKC is not in luxury tax. They are over the cap but that's standard. First apron starts at 178 mil and they are at 160. Hartenstein will be in last season of his contract when extension for Chet and J Dub will kick in. They have plenty of picks and can get more if they won't be able to afford extending Wallace. They are in great position but of course dynasty is assigned to achievements not potential.
1:17 - Chet moves like a volleyball player. They way he blocks, tips, and follows the ball looks like indoor volleyball. 2:02 - Chet's volleyball skills are on full display with a spike block and then a two handed block at the net.
Thank you for covering this team. It is so good, yet feels so underrated. They have an amazing chemistry and they perform incredible for a young team. I am so impressed.
It really is a culmination of the last decade of small ball teams, but I think the biggest reason they're able te get away with it is just the lack of good offensive centers in the league. Some of the biggest offensive players in the game right now are over 6'10 (Jokic, AD, Giannis and Embiid) but none of those teams have a back up big man in that same pocket. Every team with a scoring big just tries to get in a good defensive cheap center to try and keep a positive +- while their best player rests. But if no big man can generate offense off the bench defenses don't need to match that with a big of their own. And the OKCs collection of great wing defenders, who also have different levels of muscularity are able to match any lineup that doesn't have that scoring. Tbh the only team I can think of that won't have issues with this are the Celtics who have strong large players across the lineup and good shooting centers both starting and on the bench
Pretty much it. Smart teams who have been building their rosters with the right players with length in mind can have a 2nd unit of pretty much wing type players with long arms. Sorta reminded me of the Raps years back where Ibaka and Chris Boucher could still get good minutes in the regular season.
This is a historically great defense. With their offense as good as it is as well, but not needing to be perfect... They can put on 20 point runs in an instant with stops. Very soon, but I think OKC is poised to legitimately beat any team in the playoffs unlucky enough to get them.
1st play was one of the best things i ever seen, like WTH?? That was so cool. Im very envious of players like this, i have the soul of a center in the body of a shrimp. Im so happy the goat is in a strong team, it's the type of team i love the most, their "micro" reminds me Celtics Medium Ball tho. Quite crazy to see a total rebirth of a team, i wonder if they can win a championship now.
Technically the old Bulls pairing of Lonzo/Caruso on the defensive back court was pretty filthy for opposing teams. Just not many teams had the roster to sort of re-create that pairing and even have Caruso defend a 'small' big playing center. Oklahoma City LLB (Long Lean Boiz) seem to fit the bill.
Sweet video. OKCs defense has been spectacular, itll be interesting to see if IHarts addition continues the trend where he boosts his team's defensive rating. I'd it does, we're gonna be talking truly historic stuff.
Don't the Thunder also have Hartenstein? Isn't he injured? So when he comes back, OKC doesn't have to play smallball all the time with those Chet-less lineups.
Offense has taken multiple leap for the past 2 decades+ It's nice to see defense continuing to evolving To make a 5guard line-up work, this OKC's chemistry is amazing. Honestly, seeing defenses like this and you go back to the 80s 90s defenses where they can only play man-to-man, doesn't slack off non shooters to help.. one might argue it's WAAAAAAY easier to score in the 80s 90s.
it was definitely easier, illegal defense made it infinitely easier to score. imagine lebron in the iso ball era, he was averaging 30 with teams sending 3 guys all the time, imagine its just one defender on him at all times
it was definitely easier, illegal defense made it infinitely easier to score. imagine lebron in the iso ball era, he was averaging 30 with teams sending 3 guys all the time, imagine its just one defender on him at all times
it was definitely easier, illegal defense made it infinitely easier to score. imagine lebron in the iso ball era, he was averaging 30 with teams sending 3 guys all the time, imagine its just one defender on him at all times
@@ElijiahCater-xg9dq illegal defense wasn’t consistently called, and it’s not like every team had sharp shooters to kick it out to if the opposing team sent a double. Todays NBA is tailor made to maximize spacing and offense so if anything It’s easier to iso now
As a Dallas fan I wanted to believe they wouldn't take the next step. I knew I was wrong and they would, but this is just the direct opposite of what I wanted to a degree that it's almost funny
If any young kids wanna learn point-of-attack defense, I highly recommend watching how Cason Wallace plays. He does everything right, active hands, anticipating movement, hand offs, and passes, navigating screens. He is really an extremely talented defender and in my opinion is already the thunder’s best point-of-attack perimeter defender. Lu and Caruso are obviously extremely talented on the perimeter, but purely on-ball defense, as a thunder fan, I always want Cason on that matchup.
Cs fan, but man i love seeing a bunch of ball hawks getting after it. way too many players don't give a shit about defense, but i love it; stealing cookies, stripping bigs, blind side swats. honestly gets me more hyped than any dunk.
It's so fun to see great defense being played in the NBA. OKC can change the narrative about quite a few things about the League & building teams etc if they can win a championship.
This reminds me of the warriors when David Lee and bogut got hurt at the beginning of the season Kerr started dreymond at the 5 and found their small ball lineup that changed the game....i wonder is the thunder would have found this if the other Williams and Hartenstein don't get hurt.... This lineup is dangerous it's not a lot of teams that has the bigs AND shooting to punish the lack of size
At some point they probably would. OKC was still somewhat 'small' a year ago while playing Chet at the 5. Key bench guys stepping up along with the veteran presence of Caruso definitely helps getting consistent results on micro-line ups especially in the regular season. Plus Hart lineups are going to need minutes to have it potentially ready for the playoffs.
The micro ball lineup with insane versatility is something that Spo dreams of. Though the quality of players and talent between both teams is night and day.
Can I just say the "Hope you are having... a great day" hit particularly hard after not hearing it for a while. Glad both the NBA season, and you are back!
Yeah OKC lineup is deadly on defense, its so broken. Just by watching the gameplay i can felt the pressure of their defense is frustrating when playing against them 🔥 But glad the NBA now also prioritize defense, hope the All-Star game also prioritize the defense and competitiveness
1. Awareness - They know who to guard and when to guard them. 2. Effort - Mismatches become less of a disadvantage because they stay with whoever plays in front of them and quick enough to go back to their original assignment. 3. Flexibility and unpredictability - The coaching staff is also doing a great job calling the plays. 4. Balanced scoring 5. Young and talented team
Just here to say "You're welcome" from Bulls fans. Letting you get rid of Giddy was kind enough, but to give you a player we had lottery pick offers for *chef's kiss*
The added versatility when they get Hartenstein, JWill, and Kenrich back is INSANE. They're doing all this with ONE center available. Credit to Dieng, he has stepped up when Chet is off and done quite well defensively and hits his 3s
When people talk about starting 5, I usually just give the best 5 players together. I don’t care about position precisely for this reason. A great coach will make anything work.
It's like having a team full of Michael Jordans, Dennis Rodmans, Penny Hardaways, and Scottie Pippens with a thinner Rik Smits combined with, u said the name, Timmy Duncan #21. The collective spirits of the '04 Pistons and all the Spurs lineups r alive in this team.
I wonder how this micro ball would work against someone like Shaq. What I mean is someone with an elite low post game because what I can see in this video, the bigs are hanging round the 3 point line. I'm not being snarky, its a genuine question
Shaq going to eat them alive in the low post on offense, but on defense shaq was not a good perimeter defender therefore stretch 5s would be his weakness. Modern centers HAVE to be able to guard the stretch 4/5.
Okc death lineup. Okc looks like best team ever built a dynasty second to none. And all developed in their own system. Nothing but class too and culture. Unlike gsw okc didn’t have to rely on injuring other teams or poaching their best players. Nothing but class. We all know gsw first so called chip was based on injury and a fluke. They injured kawhi zaza gate that was obvious. Kawhi was giving them all they could take and they couldn’t ever get past the clippers either. Until bg was injured, then Kevin Durant was out him and rw would face the spurs yearly in the wcf. I mean seriously you couldn’t possibly think that was a real wcf against harden the solo act that year. Beating a really weak cavs East team 🤣 fluke chip 1 asterisks then you got 70ish wins with some confidence and must have blew the refs because draymond should have been suspended for biting and kicking nuts multiple times. Go watch the games adams was handling draymond and every time okc was about to win and had a clear advantage because adams green would kick him or grab his balls. Ironically that is everyone okc has the lead and then after lose it. Clearly okc was going to win. They were going to sweep I think it is hilarious that they eject draymond in the cavs game but not in okcs game when he clearly should have been ejected in okc everyone knew they wanted that big match up bron bron vs gsw. Really okc won that chip so there is an asterisk on the cavs chip then the stolen durcunt chips those are definitely asterisk chips. You had maybe one non asterisk chips but even then injury plague like the cp3 injury against Houston the Poole chip is the closest you got to a real one and still slightly based on injuries. But we will give curry 1 the Poole year. One day you may get a real dynasty unlikely though because your system lacks development culture and the ability to really draft properly. Enjoy scrubs being okcs punching bag for the next century
I love how defense are becoming important and looked at again in the current era and also those players who excel at playing defense getting more recognized. Ever since the Celtics won those changes seemed to involve NBA Teams trying to get some defense minded players in their team.
How can the Thunder compete against LeBron and Anthony Davis? I’m not a Lakers fan, but the Lakers dominated the Thunder last season, winning three out of four games convincingly. AD has been the best player by far to start the season Honestly, the Thunder have been more impressive than I expected this season. However, last year, they had no chance against the Lakers. That's why many professionals and experts pointed out that the Thunder's worst matchup in the playoffs would be against the Lakers. Until I see the Thunder successfully shut down those two in the paint, I won't be completely convinced that they can win the championship. Remember, the playoffs are all about matchups.
2 things. For one you do realize that hartenstein is coming back right? Also this micro ball lineup is out of necessity because Chet is literally our only healthy big man rn.
@@asergebs4852 Still doesnt change the fact that Bron and AD killed you last year. I mean a 39 year old Bron game you 40 without trying. AD gave you 27, 12 and 5 on 56% last season in 4 games. Bron gave you 26, 8 and 7 on 59/61/84 You aint beating the lakers in the playoffs buddy.
The Thunder improved both individually and as a team. I am not sure about the Lakers team. Tweaking the Lakers offense to have AD as its centerpiece helped improve that team. Lebron is regressing.
This 100% proves that the league just refuses to play defense and that offense isnt just "too good". Here is a team that actually plays it and plays it well, proving that the others just can't be bothered
Good video, their team is nice! I think if they aquire a sf they'd be the team to beat. They have a ton of picks and tradeable pieces. But let's see how they do!
Sam Presti has the greatest problem in NBA history where he has a championship caliber roster composed of mostly young, self drafted talent and now he has to worry about how to manage the 31 draft picks he has over the next 6 years
@@ry_an. the roster is young, that’s the thing. These dudes are going to continue to improve and then suddenly you have a handful of dudes coming off their rookie deals but all of them deserve an extension. This team’s potential is championship, don’t get it twisted
@@Gamer-jv8uv first you have to reach the conference finals to get to the championship. Guys who don’t deserve big money will get replaced. It’s all in stages. The team is unproven as of this point.
When I was a kid I was in love with the 2004 Pistons. They killed Elite offensive teams with their blue collar defense. Also seeing Big Ben Wallace only being 6’9, out working a Prim Shaq was inspiring. Wallace didn’t score 20+ a games but man he’d block your best players and will box you the hell out for the rebounds. I mean I love the new offense modern basketball has- the 3 ball; the ball handling skill set etc. But something about some good ole hard working defense pumps me up. Glad the young guns in OKC are taking pride in defense.
OKC may win the West. The league is not prepared or organized enough to strategize against this team make up. Now, the refs are a wild card further into the season bc I am inclined to believe the league will find OKC as unfavorable as Denver. For a young team with solid leadership, they can play through it & possibly overcome it.
Never too early or too late, always precise with Thinking Basketball. Now it really feels like the season is in full gear. Very interested to see how OKC handles AD and LeBron this year, because I don't think they won a game against the Lakers last year and for the last few seasons the Lakers have had their number.
The lakers have beaten them more than they havent the past few years during their rebuild, but its a stretch to say theyve had their number. last year they went 1-3, the year before that they went 1-2 and in 2021 they were tied 2-2 in head to head matchups.
Lakers have to be very strong offensively with this team even if Ad and LeBron score 40 points a game their 3rd scoring option is reaves and caruso clamped him last season with bulls..it's more about matchups cason can definitely handle dlo..the reason this team is good because there is atleast 2 good defensive players in every rotation.but the deciding factor will be the free throws..
I have both played and coached, and occasionally get triggered by some aspects of the pro game. According to the rules each player whether offensive or defensive has their own column when your actions intrude within that and you contact the player, the foul is on you. This rule has gradually gone away over decades, as evidenced by guys hurtling themselves over defenders for dunks etc . However, the most recent recent rule to receive an R.I.P. rating is "Reaching In" Again, the player has a column and as long as the ball is tucked inside that area is protected However, now in the NBA . . the ball is just "out there" and any player can swipe, kick, punch, or head butt as needed to extricate the ball from the opponent :) When your defender is behind you and is contacting your arms in a manner that reveals the ball that is a foul. If he was to the side or front, this would be less of a foul.
It's really amazing how the game changes based on the NBA players available. Bron and KD in their primes would feast on this defense. But right now, there's no more jumbo and ultra-athletic dominant SF who can break this down.
We are so back
9/11
@nessy3098 OMG man, no way you went there, great stuff 😂😂👍😉😄😄😊
Stop saying this cringe ahh shxt 😂😂
🤣🤣🥲🥲😍
ON GOD shit makes me wanna shed a tear
it’s a great day when thinking basketball is back
How to enjoy the NBA.
Fr
Waiting for Awful Coaching to mention Thinking Basketball in his video again soon 😂
That's so underrated comment.
That 3rd quarter was insane. Dort, Caruso and Wallace shouldnt be allowed on the same team defensively.
I'd almost move Wallace to the started two and bring Dort in on the second unit. The second unit is a nasty Dort/Caruso at guard with whoever you want to mix and match with them. Not the Dort is bad in any way. Wallace just gives you more on the offensive end without losing a ton of defense not have Dort out there. Dort still gets his minutes Just as a second unit guy and someone you bring in so someone else can rest or in foul trouble. Defender are always better around 30 minutes a game. They are fresh.
@@CaseyLynn-i7uthe second unit needs offense? Put all the offensive players in and it will be stagnant when they are out the rotation is perfect now
Been looking for a breakdown of OKC's defense for a while. It's almost comical how good they are on defense.
How could a basketball team playing defense be comical ?
@MoralesCorner Because they are so much better than anyone else that it is almost like a non-sequitur which is usually found humorous because it sharply defies expectation. Hope this is a satisfactory answer.
are you retardedd @@MoralesCorner
@@chagatainouveau okc pride we stand on that defense around here
@@MoralesCorner Probably because they fouled like 4 times in the first 2 minutes in this clip lmao
Note: Isaiah Hartenstein is coming back in December.
JWill too
I Hart had the 2nd best defensive FG% reduction on/off. Chet was 5th.
Wemby was somehow in the bottom half on the statistic tho. Maybe the spurs have horrific defence elsewhere or he doesn't contest and is going too much for flashy blocks
@tusharbhudia9421 I'm inclined to blame that deficiency for Wemby on team defense, but this year will give a better idea
@@tusharbhudia9421maybe actually watch the games? Or at least look at all the stats (spurs were all time bad defensively with wemby off the court and above average with him)
GUILTY
I f**king love this OKC team. Makes me wanna cry
They will win a chip within the next 3 years
An OKC-Cavs finals would be fun to watch! Enough with Boston. The Celtics' algorithmic offense is so boring to watch. They play like an AI simulation.
You gonna cry about some dudes playing ball?
@@Matzesgrow up
@@Matzes its an exaggeration chimp
By far my favorite basketball channel on RUclips
I've been a fan of OKC since I hopped on the bandwagon in 2012. Had amazing years but never was able to get over the hurdle back into the Finals. But this year feels like it did in 2012. I really think this OKC team can go to the Finals and possibly even become the NBA Champions. I know we're only 5 games into the gear and a lot can happen between November and April. But I haven't been this excited about a season probably since 2016-17 when KD left. Only reason I was so excited about that season was the extra spice added to the OKC vs GS rivalry and of course I knew Westbrook was about to go berserk (had no idea he'd go off the way he did though). All that to say this team is special. The defense has been incredible to watch AND we haven't even seen Hartenstein take the floor yet.
i'm with you this year it's gonna be the best
One thing I'm possibly expecting this season from OKC is Chet showing more flashes as a big man playmaker. Or possibly breaking out as one.
Okc is so good at this kind of stuff when casually watching a game and distracted by other things going on around me? I can't even tell who's on the court, really. And idc. Are those their starters? Bench guys? Is that Wiggins I see or Cason? Doesn't seem to matter and I couldn't care less. They all play the same way. One goes out, here comes another. They should just do away with numbers and names. Great defense doesn't have a face and everyone is the star. I also appreciate how Presti understands the KIND of defense it takes to win games with in todays league. Its a different kind of animal. Some say "Well he just copied the Celtics blueprint." Well if he did? Who better to copy? Great work.
80% of their rotation right now being about 3 inches apart while their defense is swarming doesn't help either in being able to tell who's who. Their defense is fun to watch operate.
He didn't copy Boston but like Boston Presti is building toward the future of basketball rather than the past
Who copied who? OKC had SGA/Dort/JDub/Chet already before Boston traded for Jrue and Porzingis, and that group without Chet was already putting the league on notice in 22/23. I think Boston just saw how successful that group was and said "lets put together the All-Star version of that". Boy did they, and good on Boston for that. Boston just feels like who this OKC team will be in 3-4 years, only with a deeper and better bench already.
Great reflections 💯
aside from centers, they are all guards yet they compare them to celtics. celtics have all the sizes from guards to bigger forwards to centers. cetlics duo are both forwards, bigger and stronger than okc's rosters who are like all skinny like a boyband.
Bro OKC is too good, they have amazing players and Sam Presti has like 30 picks to make trades and stuff
That’s the truly disgusting part they have no need for those picks so they can just way overpay for a trade
@@peewee0224 frr and they could literally trade for a superstar and keep every single rotation player😂
Sam presti should be arrested for hoarding truckload of draft picks he literally fleece the clippers.😅😅😅
They should not trade any of those picks
Keep hoarding them
This way you can keep your salary down
You can replace bench players without having to over pay for players
It keeps the core intact
Lets them grow and eventually vets will sign through FA
Its also more like what Presti has gotten from those picks. As long as they keep hitting and turning to a 2-way big wing with shooting as their floor, nobody will care to ask what happened to guys OKC drafted in recent years like Poku.
That one play by Chet is absolutely insane, one of the best defensive plays I've seen in my life
he is smarter than Wemby. Wemby has just better tools/potential.
@@DubCmusicTV he's also surrounded by all-defensive talent and isnt put in nearly as many tough situations
Which one 😂
I'm a Mavs fan and I think we have a very solid and very deep team. The one team I'm very worried about in the West, definitely OKC. They are so young, have a ton of draft picks, solid offensive and great defense. They are legit scary and going to be for years to come.
OKC is already a terror. I’m seeing the next dominant dynasty of our time pending. Glad to have you back man!
dynasty is a crazy overhype. they haven't made it past the 2nd round or even signed jdub and chet to real contracts yet this team is gonna be in luxury tax hell especially with a BACKUP center on a 30 million a year contract. half their team is on rookie contracts and they're already above the luxury tax just imagine once they give chet and jdub max rookie extensions
@ I’d rather have the headache of how to deal with too much talent than comfortably managing mediocrity. But you’re right. Navigating the 2nd apron is going to be tough
@Jeremy-ot6pb they're actually 10 million under the luxury tax this year chet and Jalen are gunna be big costs regardless but we do got alot of good assets to trade and shift around too
Imo they dont have enough to win a championship, they remind me of a younger okc ironically. Such insane young talent on such team friendly deals. New cba rules they gonnhave to make a decision in the coming years tho
@@Jeremy-ot6pb OKC is not in luxury tax. They are over the cap but that's standard. First apron starts at 178 mil and they are at 160. Hartenstein will be in last season of his contract when extension for Chet and J Dub will kick in. They have plenty of picks and can get more if they won't be able to afford extending Wallace. They are in great position but of course dynasty is assigned to achievements not potential.
1:17 - Chet moves like a volleyball player. They way he blocks, tips, and follows the ball looks like indoor volleyball.
2:02 - Chet's volleyball skills are on full display with a spike block and then a two handed block at the net.
did he play volleyball? lol
Or like a basketball player...
I am happy for Caruso. dude deserves everything good. But damn i hate my bulls.
Thank you for covering this team. It is so good, yet feels so underrated. They have an amazing chemistry and they perform incredible for a young team. I am so impressed.
It really is a culmination of the last decade of small ball teams, but I think the biggest reason they're able te get away with it is just the lack of good offensive centers in the league. Some of the biggest offensive players in the game right now are over 6'10 (Jokic, AD, Giannis and Embiid) but none of those teams have a back up big man in that same pocket. Every team with a scoring big just tries to get in a good defensive cheap center to try and keep a positive +- while their best player rests. But if no big man can generate offense off the bench defenses don't need to match that with a big of their own. And the OKCs collection of great wing defenders, who also have different levels of muscularity are able to match any lineup that doesn't have that scoring. Tbh the only team I can think of that won't have issues with this are the Celtics who have strong large players across the lineup and good shooting centers both starting and on the bench
Pretty much it. Smart teams who have been building their rosters with the right players with length in mind can have a 2nd unit of pretty much wing type players with long arms. Sorta reminded me of the Raps years back where Ibaka and Chris Boucher could still get good minutes in the regular season.
Putting 5 Guards with high defensive IQ might be another game-breaking concept.
It's back! I was waiting for this more than I was waiting for the NBA itself
This is a historically great defense. With their offense as good as it is as well, but not needing to be perfect... They can put on 20 point runs in an instant with stops. Very soon, but I think OKC is poised to legitimately beat any team in the playoffs unlucky enough to get them.
Lets see if they can maintain this level of intensity
@@kingDrAgOnZoRdS Young, fresh legs. Youngest team in the NBA still. I think they've got energy to spare, that's what gives them such an advantage.
@@HrogtharBarring injuries, I think this team is finals-bound.
1st play was one of the best things i ever seen, like WTH?? That was so cool. Im very envious of players like this, i have the soul of a center in the body of a shrimp. Im so happy the goat is in a strong team, it's the type of team i love the most, their "micro" reminds me Celtics Medium Ball tho. Quite crazy to see a total rebirth of a team, i wonder if they can win a championship now.
You can be a cocktail center piece 😂
It's OKC vs Celtics
The Thunder are Locking up their Opponents ‘Uso Penitentiary’ Style. 🏀
Adding Caruso to this team is filthy.
Bro fr... It's super filthy 🤮🤮
Technically the old Bulls pairing of Lonzo/Caruso on the defensive back court was pretty filthy for opposing teams. Just not many teams had the roster to sort of re-create that pairing and even have Caruso defend a 'small' big playing center. Oklahoma City LLB (Long Lean Boiz) seem to fit the bill.
To summarize this 8:16 video, Josh Giddey doesn't fit into OKC lineup.
8:17
Nice breakdown as always this RUclipsr need more credits 😊
perfect summary
How's Caruso's shooting this year?
Sweet video. OKCs defense has been spectacular, itll be interesting to see if IHarts addition continues the trend where he boosts his team's defensive rating. I'd it does, we're gonna be talking truly historic stuff.
BRO WE *NEEDED* THIS VIDEO🔥🔥💪🏾
Spurs fan here. Watching OKCs swarming defense was very impressive. And their depth is daunting. They come at you in waves. They are Finals bound.
My favorite channel with a video on my favorite team. Today is a good day.
The number of times a game I just say, “Jesus Christ” at how relentless they are - man, it’s gotta be aggravating to play them
It’s like playing against a hornets nest, they are everywhere
Don't the Thunder also have Hartenstein? Isn't he injured?
So when he comes back, OKC doesn't have to play smallball all the time with those Chet-less lineups.
He is injured until December
Offense has taken multiple leap for the past 2 decades+
It's nice to see defense continuing to evolving
To make a 5guard line-up work, this OKC's chemistry is amazing.
Honestly, seeing defenses like this and you go back to the 80s 90s defenses where they can only play man-to-man, doesn't slack off non shooters to help.. one might argue it's WAAAAAAY easier to score in the 80s 90s.
Ya no lol it was easier to play defense in the 80s/90s, but not score
it was definitely easier, illegal defense made it infinitely easier to score. imagine lebron in the iso ball era, he was averaging 30 with teams sending 3 guys all the time, imagine its just one defender on him at all times
it was definitely easier, illegal defense made it infinitely easier to score. imagine lebron in the iso ball era, he was averaging 30 with teams sending 3 guys all the time, imagine its just one defender on him at all times
it was definitely easier, illegal defense made it infinitely easier to score. imagine lebron in the iso ball era, he was averaging 30 with teams sending 3 guys all the time, imagine its just one defender on him at all times
@@ElijiahCater-xg9dq illegal defense wasn’t consistently called, and it’s not like every team had sharp shooters to kick it out to if the opposing team sent a double. Todays NBA is tailor made to maximize spacing and offense so if anything It’s easier to iso now
As a Dallas fan I wanted to believe they wouldn't take the next step. I knew I was wrong and they would, but this is just the direct opposite of what I wanted to a degree that it's almost funny
U just scared of okc and its normal
Everyone should be @@bihapi
well you got us last year, but i like our chances this year with Hartenstein
If any young kids wanna learn point-of-attack defense, I highly recommend watching how Cason Wallace plays. He does everything right, active hands, anticipating movement, hand offs, and passes, navigating screens. He is really an extremely talented defender and in my opinion is already the thunder’s best point-of-attack perimeter defender. Lu and Caruso are obviously extremely talented on the perimeter, but purely on-ball defense, as a thunder fan, I always want Cason on that matchup.
Yes more thinking basketball!!!!
Cs fan, but man i love seeing a bunch of ball hawks getting after it. way too many players don't give a shit about defense, but i love it; stealing cookies, stripping bigs, blind side swats. honestly gets me more hyped than any dunk.
Honey wake up.
New Thinking Basketball has just dropped.
Wake up? It's almost bedtime 😴
Thinking Basketball the best NBA content is back baby.
It's so fun to see great defense being played in the NBA. OKC can change the narrative about quite a few things about the League & building teams etc if they can win a championship.
Thinking Basketball is back!
This reminds me of the warriors when David Lee and bogut got hurt at the beginning of the season Kerr started dreymond at the 5 and found their small ball lineup that changed the game....i wonder is the thunder would have found this if the other Williams and Hartenstein don't get hurt.... This lineup is dangerous it's not a lot of teams that has the bigs AND shooting to punish the lack of size
At some point they probably would. OKC was still somewhat 'small' a year ago while playing Chet at the 5. Key bench guys stepping up along with the veteran presence of Caruso definitely helps getting consistent results on micro-line ups especially in the regular season. Plus Hart lineups are going to need minutes to have it potentially ready for the playoffs.
Thanks for this video. Gotta keep my eye on them throughout the season more often.
The season doesn't feel real til these videos start coming out
Caruso is a game wrecker on defense and will take them to the next level. Probably at least WCF this year. Lakers never should have let him go
The micro ball lineup with insane versatility is something that Spo dreams of. Though the quality of players and talent between both teams is night and day.
Can I just say the "Hope you are having... a great day" hit particularly hard after not hearing it for a while. Glad both the NBA season, and you are back!
Most only sees modern offenses, but this is the staple of modern defense.
This defense is so good this year I want to watch those possessions more than the offensive end.
Yeah OKC lineup is deadly on defense, its so broken. Just by watching the gameplay i can felt the pressure of their defense is frustrating when playing against them 🔥
But glad the NBA now also prioritize defense, hope the All-Star game also prioritize the defense and competitiveness
Finally uploading again i miss this
1. Awareness - They know who to guard and when to guard them.
2. Effort - Mismatches become less of a disadvantage because they stay with whoever plays in front of them and quick enough to go back to their original assignment.
3. Flexibility and unpredictability - The coaching staff is also doing a great job calling the plays.
4. Balanced scoring
5. Young and talented team
Just here to say "You're welcome" from Bulls fans.
Letting you get rid of Giddy was kind enough, but to give you a player we had lottery pick offers for *chef's kiss*
1:31 Chet swallowing up Trae looks like a 16 year old guarding his 10 year old brother 😂
Ayyyooo
So happy you’re back
that caruso trade was next level....perfect...gm is sick
The added versatility when they get Hartenstein, JWill, and Kenrich back is INSANE. They're doing all this with ONE center available. Credit to Dieng, he has stepped up when Chet is off and done quite well defensively and hits his 3s
Finally a video! Welcome back Ben.
OKC is going to be so fun to watch this season. They were great last season. Adding Caruso takes it to another level.
this is what the raptors wanted to turn the team into post kawhi champion run. all credit to okc for drafting and developing
They havent even got hartenstein back yet too.
As an NYC fan, I can tell you he will elevate them even further
explanation is perfect and it's so easy to listen to content becuase of great pronunciation to foreigner like me.
he's bacK!
Communication, IQ, athleticism, great coaching and prep, and synergy all work together. OKC fun to watch.
I'm having fun watching my golden state plays defense this season. But man OKC D has been insane, literally having 4-5 All Def potential.
damn man, I really miss ur videos. Welcome back!
When people talk about starting 5, I usually just give the best 5 players together. I don’t care about position precisely for this reason. A great coach will make anything work.
It's like having a team full of Michael Jordans, Dennis Rodmans, Penny Hardaways, and Scottie Pippens with a thinner Rik Smits combined with, u said the name, Timmy Duncan #21. The collective spirits of the '04 Pistons and all the Spurs lineups r alive in this team.
You are Back ❤
chet is crazyyyyy with the way he moves to the ball
Their hand placement is golden holy, they are watching the opponents dribble at times and just putting hand their and stealing it so easily
Welcome back Ben.
I wonder how this micro ball would work against someone like Shaq. What I mean is someone with an elite low post game because what I can see in this video, the bigs are hanging round the 3 point line. I'm not being snarky, its a genuine question
Shaq going to eat them alive in the low post on offense, but on defense shaq was not a good perimeter defender therefore stretch 5s would be his weakness. Modern centers HAVE to be able to guard the stretch 4/5.
Nice when the supreme leader of youtube nba channels posts up
Its funny how this version of microball is like a defensive version of d’antoni
Thinking basketball is back!
I listen to your podcasts so much your voice sounds like we best friend
I spend all offseason praying for more thinking basketball videos
Okc death lineup. Okc looks like best team ever built a dynasty second to none. And all developed in their own system. Nothing but class too and culture. Unlike gsw okc didn’t have to rely on injuring other teams or poaching their best players. Nothing but class. We all know gsw first so called chip was based on injury and a fluke. They injured kawhi zaza gate that was obvious. Kawhi was giving them all they could take and they couldn’t ever get past the clippers either. Until bg was injured, then Kevin Durant was out him and rw would face the spurs yearly in the wcf. I mean seriously you couldn’t possibly think that was a real wcf against harden the solo act that year. Beating a really weak cavs East team 🤣 fluke chip 1 asterisks then you got 70ish wins with some confidence and must have blew the refs because draymond should have been suspended for biting and kicking nuts multiple times. Go watch the games adams was handling draymond and every time okc was about to win and had a clear advantage because adams green would kick him or grab his balls. Ironically that is everyone okc has the lead and then after lose it. Clearly okc was going to win. They were going to sweep I think it is hilarious that they eject draymond in the cavs game but not in okcs game when he clearly should have been ejected in okc everyone knew they wanted that big match up bron bron vs gsw. Really okc won that chip so there is an asterisk on the cavs chip then the stolen durcunt chips those are definitely asterisk chips. You had maybe one non asterisk chips but even then injury plague like the cp3 injury against Houston the Poole chip is the closest you got to a real one and still slightly based on injuries. But we will give curry 1 the Poole year. One day you may get a real dynasty unlikely though because your system lacks development culture and the ability to really draft properly. Enjoy scrubs being okcs punching bag for the next century
I love how defense are becoming important and looked at again in the current era and also those players who excel at playing defense getting more recognized. Ever since the Celtics won those changes seemed to involve NBA Teams trying to get some defense minded players in their team.
Thinking basketball is back
Man. This video is SO beautiful to watch
How can the Thunder compete against LeBron and Anthony Davis? I’m not a Lakers fan, but the Lakers dominated the Thunder last season, winning three out of four games convincingly. AD has been the best player by far to start the season
Honestly, the Thunder have been more impressive than I expected this season. However, last year, they had no chance against the Lakers. That's why many professionals and experts pointed out that the Thunder's worst matchup in the playoffs would be against the Lakers.
Until I see the Thunder successfully shut down those two in the paint, I won't be completely convinced that they can win the championship. Remember, the playoffs are all about matchups.
2 things. For one you do realize that hartenstein is coming back right? Also this micro ball lineup is out of necessity because Chet is literally our only healthy big man rn.
@@asergebs4852 Still doesnt change the fact that Bron and AD killed you last year. I mean a 39 year old Bron game you 40 without trying. AD gave you 27, 12 and 5 on 56% last season in 4 games. Bron gave you 26, 8 and 7 on 59/61/84
You aint beating the lakers in the playoffs buddy.
@@andreasmakoben2455 lakers last year did not have bron jr tho.
The Thunder improved both individually and as a team. I am not sure about the Lakers team. Tweaking the Lakers offense to have AD as its centerpiece helped improve that team. Lebron is regressing.
@@andreasmakoben2455 You are talking like OKC hasnt taken a huge leap since last season ://
HE’S BACK GOD BLESS
This 100% proves that the league just refuses to play defense and that offense isnt just "too good". Here is a team that actually plays it and plays it well, proving that the others just can't be bothered
You have to also think about team styles most of these teams can't play defense like that
Good video, their team is nice! I think if they aquire a sf they'd be the team to beat. They have a ton of picks and tradeable pieces. But let's see how they do!
Sam Presti has the greatest problem in NBA history where he has a championship caliber roster composed of mostly young, self drafted talent and now he has to worry about how to manage the 31 draft picks he has over the next 6 years
By trading for more talent when this roster as constructed reaches its eventual ceiling
I am still flabbergasted that they basically got Caruso for free. Didn't even need a 1st round pick😂😂
@@ry_an. the roster is young, that’s the thing. These dudes are going to continue to improve and then suddenly you have a handful of dudes coming off their rookie deals but all of them deserve an extension. This team’s potential is championship, don’t get it twisted
@@Gamer-jv8uv first you have to reach the conference finals to get to the championship. Guys who don’t deserve big money will get replaced. It’s all in stages. The team is unproven as of this point.
When I was a kid I was in love with the 2004 Pistons. They killed Elite offensive teams with their blue collar defense. Also seeing Big Ben Wallace only being 6’9, out working a Prim Shaq was inspiring. Wallace didn’t score 20+ a games but man he’d block your best players and will box you the hell out for the rebounds.
I mean I love the new offense modern basketball has- the 3 ball; the ball handling skill set etc.
But something about some good ole hard working defense pumps me up.
Glad the young guns in OKC are taking pride in defense.
Oh how your defense improves when Josh Giddey isn't on the court (as a bonus.. so does your offense)
It helps they aren't calling fouls on Chet.
Crusoe has low key rivaled Holiday for best lock down guard for years now. Crazy underrated, winning player.
please post more often lol. especially in the offseason because good god we need basketball content then
3:08 caruso making calls at the bench defensively 😶🌫
OKC may win the West. The league is not prepared or organized enough to strategize against this team make up. Now, the refs are a wild card further into the season bc I am inclined to believe the league will find OKC as unfavorable as Denver. For a young team with solid leadership, they can play through it & possibly overcome it.
Man im happy this is here
Gonna be crazy when I hart comes back he’s gonna break up some of these awesome line ups but also gonna bring that physicallity in the paint
Never too early or too late, always precise with Thinking Basketball. Now it really feels like the season is in full gear. Very interested to see how OKC handles AD and LeBron this year, because I don't think they won a game against the Lakers last year and for the last few seasons the Lakers have had their number.
The lakers have beaten them more than they havent the past few years during their rebuild, but its a stretch to say theyve had their number. last year they went 1-3, the year before that they went 1-2 and in 2021 they were tied 2-2 in head to head matchups.
@@verymadhatterokay that makes more sense, I should have said since the Lakers traded for their current core in Feb 2023.
Lakers have to be very strong offensively with this team even if Ad and LeBron score 40 points a game their 3rd scoring option is reaves and caruso clamped him last season with bulls..it's more about matchups cason can definitely handle dlo..the reason this team is good because there is atleast 2 good defensive players in every rotation.but the deciding factor will be the free throws..
Love OKC all the way in Australia 🇦🇺
I have both played and coached, and occasionally get triggered by some aspects of the pro game.
According to the rules each player whether offensive or defensive has their own column
when your actions intrude within that and you contact the player, the foul is on you.
This rule has gradually gone away over decades, as evidenced by guys hurtling themselves over defenders for dunks etc .
However, the most recent recent rule to receive an R.I.P. rating is "Reaching In"
Again, the player has a column and as long as the ball is tucked inside that area is protected
However, now in the NBA . . the ball is just "out there" and any player can swipe, kick, punch, or head butt as needed to extricate the ball from the opponent :)
When your defender is behind you and is contacting your arms in a manner that reveals the ball that is a foul.
If he was to the side or front, this would be less of a foul.
yeah but defense needs to be a part of the game. Offensive players already has it way too easy with the constant ball carry :))
HE’S BACK
And thet dont even have Isaiah yet, oh man.
It's really amazing how the game changes based on the NBA players available. Bron and KD in their primes would feast on this defense. But right now, there's no more jumbo and ultra-athletic dominant SF who can break this down.