Thunder defense leads NBA in multiple team statistics

On November 2, 2024By Littum

It’s no secret that the OKC Thunder have been an elite defensive team to start their most recent NBA campaign. Even though it’s only been four games, OKC’s combination of guards and forwards has made life challenging when attacking the basket and passing around the perimeter.

As a defensive unit, the Thunder lead the NBA in both steals and blocks per game, averaging 13.8 steals and nine blocks so far.

Team steals leaders

1. OKC Thunder – 13.8
2. CLE Cavs – 12.0
3. GS Warriors – 11.6

Team block leaders

1. OKC Thunder – 9.0
2. NO pelicans – 7.6
3. ORL Magic – 7.0

Team driven revenue managers

1. OKC Thunder – 21.0
2. PHI 76ers – 19.5
3. GS Warriors – 19.4

Team DRTG Leaders…

— TF (@ThunderFocus) 31 October 2024

Guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace lead OKC in steals. Entering his second year in the NBA, Wallace is known for his intense on-ball defense. Even with his great defensive year in his rookie season, he already looks much improved. He records 2.5 assists per match with Gilgeous-Alexander.

Outside of those two, former Chicago Bull and defending champion Alex Caruso is averaging 2.3 steals, with forward Jalen Williams and guard Ajay Mitchell trailing with 1.5 per steal. match. Most of the Thunder roster has shown the ability to pick-pocket defenders on the ball and shut down passing lanes off the ball. The Thunder currently rank second in the NBA in shots per game with 16.2, trailing the Memphis Grizzlies.

Forward Chet Holmgren has established himself early in the season as one of the league’s best shot blockers with an average of 3.5 per game out of the teams. Victor Wembanyama. Holmgren looks like a completely different player than last year, improving in almost every category.

Gilgeous-Alexander has also, for a guard, been a solid shot blocker through four games. He is recording 1.5 a game and is also showing clear defensive improvements from previous seasons. Caruso has also gotten into the shot-blocking action and has laid out a play.

With all the steals and turnovers, the Thunder are at the top of the league in forced turnovers per game. match. The team works the best they have together as a defensive group. They forced 22 turnovers in their last game against the Spurs, while finishing with just 10 of their own.

OKC’s defense has made life difficult for opponents, and even when teams do score, there aren’t many easy buckets.

It’s because of that concept that the Thunder lead the NBA in defensive rating, a metric that assesses efficiency while defending players. Too many Thunder guards have done a solid job of defending the ball against impactful opposing guards, and if that continues throughout the season, OKC will continue to rise in the league and create a reputation for its strong defense.

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