Thunder Aren’t Thunderous Enough for NBA Playoffs Due to 1 Reason, Reveals JJ Redick

One cannot overestimate the importance of playoff experience in the fiercely competitive NBA, where every possession and play has the potential to decide a team’s playoff destiny. In the recent podcast, NBA veteran JJ Redick has clarified this important point.

The OKC Thunder are at a juncture, needing to navigate new waters in quest of postseason glory as the urgency intensifies and expectations soar to an all-time high. Keeping Redick’s thoughts in mind, the Thunder must accept the hard fact that they are inexperienced in the playoffs and step up to the plate if they want to have a significant influence on the NBA playoffs.

The perspective of JJ Redick on the impact of postseason experience

JJ Redick, a former basketball player, recently highlighted on the “Old Man and The Three” podcast, the worth of having experience in the postseason. Redick’s evaluation underscores how the Oklahoma City Thunder’s lack of playoff expertise may affect their postseason chances.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander displayed his diverse skill set over a thrilling regular season, garnering recognition for his knack for directing the action from the half-court line to the lane’s edge. He leads the team with 30.9 ppg, 6.4 assists per game, and 2.1 steals per game. JJ Redick aptly noted, “I am so fascinated and intrigued by how he is going to play in the playoffs because I think one of the key developments to his offensive game has been the development of the counter. This [expletive] has a counter for everything now. . I don’t think Shai has a hole in his game… He’s been an elite post-up player.”

Redick discussed the Thunder’s offensive capabilities on the podcast, emphasizing their ability to drive to the basket and their excellent three-point shooting percentages. He remarked, “They have an identity, to what they do offensively, and it starts with driving the basketball. They’re # 1 by far in terms of drives per game. Not only that, they’re excellent at driving the ball. They’re the number one team at three-point percentage.” He continues by reiterating their numbers: #3 in field goal percentage on drives, #1 in free-throw attempts on drives, #8 in points in the paint.

But Redick remarks that, even with the Thunder’s impressive regular-season record, their relative inexperience may make it difficult for them to handle high-pressure scenarios during pivotal playoff matches. He advised against undervaluing the significance of postseason experience, especially for a club like the Thunder that features “a team this young, and collectively has this little playoff experience.” He also voiced worries about the team’s potential performance under the high scrutiny and pressure of postseason hoops.

Getting around unknown territory

Redick’s research indicates that even while the Thunder are strong in several areas of their game, they may face major challenges in the playoffs due to their lack of experience with the particular demands of postseason competition.

Read More: JJ Redick Reveals How He Ended Up With 11 Stitches While Trying to Stop LeBron James

Redick’s observations serve as a sobering reminder of the difficulties that rest ahead as the Thunder get ready for the jump from the regular season to the playoffs. To compete for glory in the NBA playoffs, the Thunder must face the fact that they have never played in the postseason and put in a lot of effort to get over this barrier. The postseason demands a greater level of execution, perseverance, and strategic acumen.

Continue Reading: JJ Redick Elaborates How Both Jrue Holiday and Pelicans Won the Trade with the Milwaukee Bucks