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3 Things That Stood Out In Thunder’s Win Against The Cavs
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- 3 Things That Stood Out In Thunder’s Win Against The Cavs
(Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are learning how to navigate life without several important pieces of their rotation, and Wednesday night offered another example of how much they are going to need from the players still available.
Oklahoma City defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-116 in Paycom Center, earning their second consecutive victory over Cleveland in three days.
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While the final score was important, three things stood out about the Thunder's performance: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's increased offensive responsibility, Ajay Mitchell's growing consistency and Bennett Stirtz continuing to show why he can be a valuable piece of this roster.
The biggest storyline remains Gilgeous-Alexander and just how much Oklahoma City is leaning on its MVP.
With Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace sidelined, the Thunder have needed him to shoulder a much larger portion of the offensive workload. That responsibility has become increasingly evident over the last two games.
Shai's 35 field-goal attempts Monday against Cleveland were a career high. Wednesday's game pushed that workload even further into the spotlight. The last two games represent the most combined field-goal attempts (61) he has taken across any two-game stretch in his NBA career.
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That is a significant adjustment for a player who has typically been able to operate within a much more balanced offensive system.
The Thunder are not asking Gilgeous-Alexander to simply facilitate and pick his spots anymore. They need him to be the primary scorer, creator and the player who can keep the offense functioning when things get stagnant. His ability to get into the paint, draw contact and create opportunities has become even more important with so much production missing from the lineup.
There is no question that Oklahoma City needs this version of Gilgeous-Alexander right now. However, the challenge will be finding ways to keep him effective without making him carry an unsustainable workload every night.
The second thing that stood out was Ajay Mitchell's continued consistency.
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Mitchell is becoming more than just a player who can step into the lineup and provide an occasional scoring burst. He is showing increasing consistency on both ends of the floor, and that is exactly what the Thunder need during this stretch.
His ability to attack the basket, make decisions with the ball and take advantage of defensive opportunities gives Oklahoma City another player capable of creating something offensively. Defensively, his activity and willingness to compete have made him valuable as well.
What makes Mitchell's recent stretch encouraging is that his contributions are not limited to scoring. He is beginning to look more comfortable handling additional responsibility, and that confidence matters when the rotation is missing so much experience and production.
The third takeaway was Bennett Stirtz continuing to prove his value.
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The rookie has an opportunity to earn meaningful minutes, and he is making the most of those chances. Stirtz has shown that he is comfortable taking open shots, making plays and contributing without needing the offense to revolve around him.
His ability to stretch the floor is particularly important alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. Defenses are going to devote plenty of attention to Gilgeous-Alexander, and having another player who can confidently knock down shots gives Oklahoma City another option.
Stirtz is still learning the NBA game, but these opportunities are valuable. The Thunder need players who can be trusted when their number is called, and he is beginning to make a case for himself.
Oklahoma City is still dealing with a difficult injury situation, but Wednesday showed why the team has reason to feel encouraged. Gilgeous-Alexander is carrying the offense, Mitchell is becoming increasingly dependable, and Stirtz is showing he belongs in the conversation for a bigger role.
Those three developments could become extremely important as the Thunder work through this stretch without some of their most important players.
