Tip-Off: 7 PM CST
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City, OK)
Television: FSOK
Radio: The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @TheThunderGuys for live-tweets during the game
Opposing Player to Watch
- SG Devin Booker has emerged as a playmaker over the last year for the Phoenix Suns, putting up some lofty stats in the second-half of his rookie year. In the Suns’ loss against the Sacramento Kings two nights ago, Booker had a team-high 18 points on an efficient 8/12 shots from the floor. He played only 25 minutes, likely due to tallying five fouls, but he has shown his ability to put up big numbers on a number of occasions. The Thunder will need defend Booker well and keep him from getting hot early.
Keys to the Game
- Take Good Shots: Oklahoma City shot a measly 41.5% from the field and 27.3% from the 3-point line against Philadelphia. The Thunder started off 1/9 from the floor, but managed to pick things up as the game went on. However, even some of the shots that went in were not exactly pretty. Oklahoma City has to make wise-shooting choices and think quality over quantity.
- Get to the Free Throw Line: Last season, the Suns tied for leading the league with 29 team fouls a game, the same number that they had against the Kings two nights ago. Oklahoma City has been a consistently good free throw shooting team over the years, so the Thunder need to take advantage of any charity stripe opportunities.
- Push the Ball in Transition: Thunder Coach Billy Donovan wants the Thunder to move the ball and push the fast break, and this mindset paid off against the 76ers in the season opener. Oklahoma City had an impressive 23 points in transition in Philadelphia on Wednesday, and they need to continue their success tonight.
Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter.