The Oklahoma City Thunder‘s new double-big lineup, featuring Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, is reshaping their dynamic as they approach the playoffs. Having both missed significant time due to injuries, the duo has only played together in 16 games, showcasing a promising, albeit limited, net rating of +15.0. Their combination on the court enables the Thunder to dominate rebounding and bolster their defensive efforts, while they continue to learn and refine their chemistry. Despite some drawbacks, like a below-average turnover rate and a struggling transition game, the Thunder’s approach highlights their evolution in modern NBA play.
By the Numbers
- The Thunder have a +15.0 net rating in 269 minutes played together.
- They rank second in the league with a 32.4% offensive rebounding percentage.
- OKC has a defensive rebounding percentage of 79.7%, better than any team’s except the Houston Rockets’.
Yes, But
While the duo’s size and skill have bolstered the team, their unique play style has led to challenges. During their lineup’s execution, the Thunder’s transition offense has significantly regressed, ranking near the bottom of the league. Additionally, reliance on this approach could highlight weaknesses against faster-paced opponents.
State of Play
- The Thunder have won seven of their last eight games, building momentum as they head into playoffs.
- Hartenstein’s and Holmgren’s chemistry is improving, leading to successful plays like alley-oops.
What’s Next
As the playoffs approach, expect the Thunder to further refine their double-big strategy. Continued experimentation with their lineup will likely reveal the best ways to leverage their unique strengths while mitigating weaknesses against diverse opponents. This adaptability will be crucial in a playoff scenario where adjustments can determine outcomes.
Bottom Line
The Thunder’s new double-big alignment presents a powerful and flexible threat in the playoffs, combining size and skill in a way that contrasts with conventional lineups. This fresh approach, while still needing fine-tuning, positions them to better handle challenging playoff scenarios and adapt to strategic adjustments from opposing teams.
