With a top-three seed locked up, Oklahoma City can take a deep breath. The young team exceeded every possible expectation this year and has secured home court advantage in the postseason. After coming off a play-in appearance a season ago, this season is already viewed as a smashing success.
There’s a chance to do even more, though. Despite the data, statistics, and metrics saying Oklahoma City is a contender, nobody seems to think they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run. Or even an NBA Finals run. But this team has the pieces to perform in the playoffs, now it’s just about making it happen. The priority now has shifted to getting completely healthy and locked in for what could be a special postseason. And thanks to stellar play, OKC has the luxury to do that.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams missed the last three games before returning against Sacramento nursing minor injuries. Had it been a playoff game, who knows if they could’ve given it a go? But Oklahoma City didn’t need to push it, so they were able to give their stars rest.
On Wednesday night, Lu Dort will rest for the first time all season. The defensive stopper has been the heart and soul of this squad and now gets a night off.
With just three games left in the season, expect more rest for the Thunder’s primary players. This team has earned it, and a rejuvenated squad heading into the playoffs could be dangerous. After Gilgeous-Alexander’s three-game break to get right, he played 37 minutes and dropped 40 total points. He clearly benefited from time off to get healthy, and so will the rest of the team.
Chet Holmgren, who has made it a goal to play all 82 games, is just three games away from achieving the impressive feat. He might not play his regular amount, but at this point, he seems poised to make it to the finish line. He could certainly use a day or two off, though, and looked like a different player rejuvenated post-All-Star break.
After Oklahoma City’s season finale versus Dallas, the Thunder get to sit and wait. More time to get healthy and at full strength in what is turning out to be a perfect storm for this squad. The play-in tournament takes place April 16-19, which means Oklahoma City will get nearly a full week off before their first-round series begins.
Rest will be crucial over the next ten days, and the Thunder should take advantage of it.
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Source link : https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/oklahoma-city-can-rest-and-rejuenate-before-first-round
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Publish date : 2024-04-10 03:00:00
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