The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently enjoying some rest. While it may not be “much-needed” considering they’re the NBA’s youngest team, any rest a team can get in the NBA Playoffs, they’ll gladly take it.
Oklahoma City set the tone for the series right out of the gate when they demolished the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80.
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The Grizzlies fought a bit more in Game 2, but the Thunder still walked away with a 118-99 win. Games three and four were much more tightly contested, but the Thunder proved to be too much to handle, as they earned the sweep.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7).Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren on playoff physicality
One player who has improved since last year’s playoff run is Chet Holmgren. Going against Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II proved to be too much for Holmgren.
He looks to be handling the physicality better, as he led the Thunder with 11 blocks and was just four rebounds behind Isaiah Hartenstein for the series lead.
Having Hartenstein going against the opposing team’s big man has freed Holmgren up on the offensive end while protecting him a bit more on defense.
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Holmgren had the chance to speak on the playoffs’ physicality and the difference from the regular season.
“It feels like how we used to play at the park. There’s no playing for a foul out there,” Holmgren said. “You gotta play for a bucket. If you played to get a foul at the park, someone would just take the ball and go home.”
The Thunder will likely be hoping the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers goes the full seven games.
The Nuggets have been expending a lot of energy with their starting lineup. As for the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will have to chase around the youngest team in the NBA.