Why isn’t playoff inexperience holding OKC back as people claimed?

[brackdan70]

It’s only been 1 series and 1 game.

[Optimus_Steel]

Still early.

[Optms]

We might be seeing a transition.

New teams are on the rise out west, Wolves, Dallas, OKC. They are all coming up at once and someone will advance, regardless of experience.

Teams like the Suns and Clips are cooked. Nuggets aren't playing in a weak conference anymore either.

[og15]

Like others have mentioned, probably too soon to make this thread after 5 playoff games.

It might hold them back, we don't even know how this series is going to play out yet, they could lose and then what would we say?

[NO-KG-AI]

Playoff experience might matter if both teams are completely equal.

[jkvonny]

I think the overall point was that teams don't win a championship the first year their core makes the playoffs. I think the last one to do so was the 08 Celtics, before that I have no idea of the last time it had been done (I'm pretty sure every champ since 1980 had made the playoffs the year prior). So if I'm right that's once in 44 years, with the one time being a pretty unique case of trading for two veteran All-Stars in the same offseason.

Yeah, but how many teams miss the playoffs and then are this good the following season? Their top player made a massive leap from top 10 to become arguably the best player in the league. They have a rookie who fits perfectly and generates all-NBA level impact. And their just turned 23 year old who finished 2nd in ROY voting last year took such a leap he got votes for most improved player. It's an unprecedented confluence of talent coming together at once. It's not quite as unprecedented as adding Ray Allen and prime KG, but it's not as far off as you think.

I think the overall point was that teams don't win a championship the first year their core makes the playoffs. I think the last one to do so was the 08 Celtics, before that I have no idea of the last time it had been done (I'm pretty sure every champ since 1980 had made the playoffs the year prior). So if I'm right that's once in 44 years, with the one time being a pretty unique case of trading for two veteran All-Stars in the same offseason.

yeah, it would be pretty surprising if they won the title or even make it to the finals so quickly, but they are a super cohesive unit and I wouldn't count them out.

Before that Celtics team, I can only think of the '77 Portland TBlazers team off the top of my head.

Young franchise, young team with Walton, Hollis, Lucas. First winning season ever, first playoffs ever. Kinda came out of nowhere. Upset the heavily favored Sixers to win NBA title (4-2) after being down 0-2 as well.

[Ugly Duckling]

We might be seeing a transition.

New teams are on the rise out west, Wolves, Dallas, OKC. They are all coming up at once and someone will advance, regardless of experience.

Teams like the Suns and Clips are cooked. Nuggets aren't playing in a weak conference anymore either.

yeah that's what it is. rare time when it's a changing of the guard

[doogie_hauser]

We might be seeing a transition.

New teams are on the rise out west, Wolves, Dallas, OKC. They are all coming up at once and someone will advance, regardless of experience.

Teams like the Suns and Clips are cooked. Nuggets aren't playing in a weak conference anymore either.

Add to the Lakers to that list, they are more cooked than a Christmas (Darvin Ham)

This is why I don't suggestions from Heat or Lakers fans thinking they should run their team back with a (hail Mary at this time) star signing/addition.

The transition speed and athleticism of the game is evolving, Pacers taking care of a Giannis less Bucks in the first round another example.

[Nuntius]

Because they are more than just a young, up and coming team. If you want to see a young, up and coming team then look no further than the Magic and my Pacers.

The Thunder are one tier above that. They are a dominant young team which looks like it has all the foundations for a dynasty.

[CodeBreaker]

There you go

[durden_tyler]

What a playoff experience today. LOL

[Mk0]

welp

[MoneyTalks41890]

Yeah the Thunder’s playoff inexperience is why PJ Washington and Hardaway were lights out from three, leading Dallas to their best three point shooting game maybe ever? That feels sustainable.

[Patches Perry]

No experienced team would ever lose a playoff game, so we might be seeing their inexperience become a factor now.

[zimpy27]

Tiny sample to prove a theory and tiny sample to disprove it

[dirkdiggler4177]

Yeah the Thunder’s playoff inexperience is why PJ Washington and Hardaway were lights out from three, leading Dallas to their best three point shooting game maybe ever? That feels sustainable.

Tim Hardaway - He usually shoots the three-pointer every time he gets the ball. He has not really played in a while and (played April 23rd and one playoff game) in the last 10 games he has shot 34% from two and 27% from three. In this game, one of his first moves is to shoot a two-pointer and make it. The next play he drives and catches Lively for ally-oop. He does not get stressed later with a second on the timer for the three pointer.

Chet Holmgren - In the 4th with like 5 minutes left he throws up a three-pointer going down the court, with a hand in his face. A shot he can get all game, so no reason to shoot it now.
The next play he drives down the lane and turns the ball over. He had an open 3-pointer.
https://videos.nba.com/nba/pbp/media/2024/05/09/0042300222/624/044bef9f-ada8-3d3e-5aa4-d32ee5de666a_1280x720.mp4

https://videos.nba.com/nba/pbp/media/2024/05/09/0042300222/639/354db95f-8c55-3ac2-9f1c-514e37bd5cc1_1280x720.mp4

Luka Doncic - Slows down the game, backs up to the high post, and shoots the mid-range. Do not always make it, but does not turn the ball over and takes time off the clock.

Dereck Lively - Stressed out the whole game under the basket. Rushes when he needs to slow down and slows down when he needs to rush. Give credit to OKC for their defense.


Of course, this could just be random, but these are the small things that count in playoffs. Each possession can spark into a 10-point run, so having players who don't get stressed, take good shots, and don't turn the ball over.

[Mr B]

Ask and you shall receive.

[CobraCommander]

Because it’s one game… a home game

The experience matters when the games matter more, when you are down or in a tight game and when they get in higher leverage moments.

One home game where Kyrie had 4 in the first half and Luka went 1-8 from 3 and Gafford was the best Mav isn’t a test of what makes experience so important in the playoffs -

And that first round was more like a pre-playoff warmup

When kyrie and Luka get ramped up we will see if experience matters



This is going 7

We are finding out they young right now

[OkcSinceSGA]

I will own up to making this thread prematurely. So feel free to punch me people. I still have OKC in 6-7, but I admit that I didn’t see them getting mentally owned like they have the last two games. The physicality seems to be deflating them. Doing hack a Lively the 4th quarter was pathetic. They need to figure out rebounding. SGA can’t be the only one to show up. Williams and Chet can’t play like average role players.

[CodeBreaker]

There you go again