Following the top-seat battle with Denver on Saturday, TI’s Tamberlyn Richardson pinpointed an identity crisis for the Thunder. OKC has established defensive credibility this season, with the highest defensive rating of the league at 102.6. As Richardson pointed out, OKC fell short in Saturday’s game with regards to the team’s defensive expectations.
OKC Thunder is a fast-paced, aggressive team. Usually, their offense trickles from their success on defense, forcing turnovers and executing fast-break baskets and second-chance points off offensive rebounds. Even though Cleveland may seem to be a layup team with only four wins on the season, OKC has to play regularly and not go through the motions and take the Cavs lightly.