Today, the Thunder were tyrannized by the Mavericks and were beaten without a fight, and finally lost the game 111-146.
There are three reasons for the defeat of the Thunder of the Youth Army.
First, the Mavericks strengthened the frontcourt, with the arrival of PJ Washington and Gafford to improve the overall height of the team, whether it was to protect the frame or impact the frontcourt board, occupying a great advantage.
The second is that the weak shortcomings of the Thunder's interior line are highlighted, and only Holmchelen's big bamboo pole cannot build a solid defensive line at all
The third is the Thunder's star Alexander (SGA), who is not only weak in three points, but also has other offensive skills that can be called a kaleidoscope. But it's the 3-point no-go that keeps the Thunder from going further in the playoffs.
Take this game as an example, in the first quarter, Doncic hit consecutive three-point shots, and Alexander also continued to shoot in response, but 3 points to 2 points, a difference of 1 point in each round!
Alexander's answer ball could not bring offensive momentum to the team at all, and could only make the Mavericks play more and more bravely, and the Thunder was spent in one quarter.
Looking at Alexander's stats for this game, 9-of-16 and 7-of-8 free throws,
Scored 25 points, which was not inefficient, but he didn't shoot a single three-point shot!
In the NBA league, where small ball is prevalent, the current first-line superstars, whether small or big, have a three-point stunt.
For example, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Jokic, Embiid, Durant, etc.
In the playoffs, the two sides often fight until the last minute to decide the winner, and the key moment must rely on the team's star to end the game, if Alexander is weak in three-point ability, it will affect the final result of the game.
For example, today, Curry beat the Suns with a long-range three-pointer, and there are only 2.7 seconds left in the game, and only shooting three-pointers is the best way at this time.
If this scene is placed in the Thunder, who will execute it? Williams, Giddey, Dort, Holmcheren?
This man has to let Alexander come, because the boss of the team has to step up at the crucial moment and lead the team to victory.
Therefore, Alexander's Thunder is unlikely to win the championship this season.
This summer, Alexander has to go to Stephen Curry to learn the art of developing the three-point shot, and the Thunder will be the favorite to win the championship next season!