Alexander described the Thunder this way, “Each of us loves defense. Every time we complete team defense, we are very excited. We are proud to play the best defense in the league. Love of defense brings us together. This is how we show teamwork. .
For the Thunder, the four games they lost to the Nuggets, Bucks, Mavericks, and Rockets are exactly the gaps in their strength that they need to correct and strengthen.
With the speedy Holmgren yet to return from injury, the rotation lineup has too many guards. The backcourt faces the Thunder, who are generally short in stature. Facing tall forwards, it is easy to describe it as “misplaced.” This is the Thunder’s biggest lineup flaw. .
Holmgren’s return to the team may not solve the problem of short wings. The Thunder still need to improve the height of the lineup, especially the backcourt rotation guards are generally short, and the playoffs will be very difficult.
The Thunder are still creating all kinds of magic. Alexander is likely to be elected as the annual MVP. The final test of this young army is the playoffs.
Only by defeating their opponents in the playoffs and becoming the Western Conference champion can the Thunder truly prove their strength. Before the player trade deadline on February 7, 2025, the Thunder may need another transaction to add a forward with athleticism and height to the rotation. This was the beginning of the Thunder’s dominance of the Western Conference.
