DENVER – Far too often for Head Coach Billy Donovan’s liking, opposing teams are taking dribbles inside the three-point line, then kicking the ball out to a wide open three-point shooter. Not just the shooting percentage, but the sheer number and type of three-point attempts that Thunder opponents get are big indicators for the Thunder’s defense. Tonight against the Denver Nuggets, Donovan’s group will be dead set on preventing those types of looks.
Defending the three-point line starts by defending the ball. In pick-and-roll coverages the Thunder will have to be pressed up tight against guards like Emmanuel Mudiay and Jameer Nelson so that those drive-and-dish plays aren’t as easy to make. The key from there is for defenders who are helping over to get back to their man and be in his jersey before a three-point attempt can go up.
Coach Donovan on defending 3-point shooting
“That’s the next step that we have to take from a defensive perspective – the awareness, the understanding and the decision-making,” Donovan said. “We’re doing a much better job of being in the right spots, but once we’re in that spot and have to get out to the three-point line, there have times we’ve been slow getting there or we’ve lost our man on the back side with exchanges. There have been times where we’ve given too much help.”
“It’s just being focused on when to help and when not to help, having a real sense of urgency on that aspect to not give up so many threes,” point guard Russell Westbrook added.
Russell Westbrook following shootaround
Over the past week, opponents are shooting 48.1 percent from the three-point line against the Thunder. Those types of numbers are unsustainable throughout the course of a season, but the team can make adjustments to limit those good, high efficiency looks.
Another area of the game that is integral for the Thunder tonight is in transition. Here in the high altitude of Denver, the Nuggets typically like to run in the open floor off misses and turnovers. The Thunder must do a strong job of maintaining ball control and having floor balance when it takes shots. Getting back, matching up and contesting shots will be of utmost importance tonight.
“They do a good job at home. They run well at home,” Westbrook said. “We have to keep up with their pace and make sure we get back in transition.”
“We just have to go out and compete and try to get a win,” the Thunder’s leader continued. “Some nights you may put all your effort out and you may not win. But as a team you have to continue to grow and get better every game.”