Oklahoma City is in trouble.
The Oklahoma City Thunder lost 92-104 to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the 2023-2024 NBA Playoffs on Saturday (Feb. 16) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. The loss dropped the series to 2 games to 3 and put Oklahoma City in danger of elimination.
It was a heartbreaking loss for Oklahoma City. After a dramatic come-from-behind victory in Game 4 to even the series at two games apiece, Oklahoma City was expected to be favored in Game 5 at home.
However, the story was quite the opposite. Oklahoma City looked lethargic and disappointing throughout the game, playing without their ace, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Dallas, on the other hand, was held to just 12 points by Kyrie Irving, but Luka Doncic put on a one-man show, recording a triple-double with 31 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds to lead his team to victory.
Now it’s Oklahoma City that’s on the brink. Oklahoma City will play Game 6 on Dec. 19 against Dallas. If they lose, their season is over.
Oklahoma City ushered in a new era this season with a first-place finish in the Western Conference. With young players like Chet Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander, and others, the team has been a force to be reckoned with, and is expected to make a run in the playoffs.
For Oklahoma City, the current crisis was not expected. The biggest issue is the struggles of second option Jaylen Williams, who is supposed to back up Gilgeous-Alexander.
Williams had an incredible regular season. He averaged 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His strengths include his ability to use his physicality to drive to the basket, his off-the-ball moves, and his high three-point shooting percentage (42.7%). Williams is a great offensive and defensive player.
The problem is that his strengths don’t translate well in the tight playoffs. The playoffs are a series of multiple matchups in a short period of time. You need to closely study your opponent’s weaknesses and prepare to counter them.
Dallas’ answer to Williams is a long forward. Williams is a player who likes to drive to the basket, but he”s not a 안전놀이터 very tall player for a forward. At 5-foot-9, he”s classified as a short forward.
Dallas, on the other hand, is loaded with long forwards outside of Irving, including Doncic, Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington. Dallas is forcing Williams to drive to the basket and using their height to stop him. Williams’ offense is becoming a futile attempt to attack the basket.
The problem is that there is no answer. Oklahoma City’s offense relies on Williams to keep the offense flowing, so it’s inevitable that he’ll continue to try to do so. With ace Gillespie-Alexander stepping up every game, Williams’ absence is even more frustrating.
Can Williams bounce back from her slump in Game 6? It’s no exaggeration to say that Oklahoma City’s fate will depend on Williams’ performance.