Why the Thunder are ignoring Dallas' shooters (!)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How the Thunder Dominated Dallas in Game One

1. Game Plan Overview:

   • The Thunder's game plan in Game One against Dallas was to focus on taking away Luca Doncic and disrupting the Mavericks' offense.
   • They aimed to limit Doncic's scoring opportunities and force the Mavericks' role players to take and make difficult shots.

2. Defending Pick-and-Roll:

   • Watch for Dallas setting up pick-and-roll plays for Luca Doncic.
   • Thunder defenders, such as Shay Gilgeous-Alexander, would sag off non-shooters like Jones or Green to clog the paint and prevent easy baskets.

3. Help Defense and Rotations:

   • Thunder players were willing to help off strong-side corner shooters to protect the paint against Doncic's drives.
   • Defenders like Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins rotated effectively to challenge shooters while not leaving Doncic too much space to operate.

4. Defending Three-Point Shots:

   • Thunder prioritized defending the paint, daring Dallas' shooters to make open shots from the perimeter.
   • Defenders like Dort and Wiggins closed out aggressively on shooters like Tim Hardaway Jr. to contest three-point attempts.

5. Transition Defense:

   • Thunder capitalized on defensive stops to push the ball in transition.
   • Active hands and quick rotations led to steals and fast-break opportunities, where players like Shay Gilgeous-Alexander could finish at the rim.

6. Defending Lobs and Paint Attacks:

   • Thunder defenders, including Gafford and Homr, were effective at clogging the paint and contesting lobs to Dallas' big men.
   • Players like Hren excelled at defending the ball handler and recovering to challenge shots in the paint.

7. Adjustments and Counter-strategies:

   • Dallas may need to find ways to create easier scoring opportunities for Doncic by involving their role players more effectively.
   • The Thunder's defensive strategy forced Dallas' role players to hit outside shots consistently to counter the paint-focused defense.

8. Game Outcome and Conclusion:

   • The Thunder's defensive intensity and strategic adjustments led to a dominant performance in Game One.
   • Coach Mark Daigneault's game plan proved successful, bringing the Thunder closer to the Western Conference Finals.

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