NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs facing questions about their relative youth and playoff inexperience.
Four games later, the Thunder is on to the second round after a convincing sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans.
“That’s another thing for us to not think about,” Thunder forward Jalen Williams said. “We’re coming in to compete — no matter how old we are.”
The average age on the Thunder roster was less than 24 years old when the playoffs began. But coach Mark Daigneault, named NBA coach of the year this week, has been quick to point out that youth and maturity are not mutually exclusive.
“We have a mature team. We have a committed team,” Daigneault said. “We’ve got an uncommon group of people and players.”
That maturity was on full display in the way the Thunder have committed to defense, holding the Pelicans to 92 or fewer points in each game of the first round.
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America
Kawhi Leonard ruled out with knee issue as Clippers face Mavs in Game 4
Wild onion dinners mark the turn of the season in Indian Country
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
Seeking engagement and purpose, corporate employees turn to workplace volunteering
Caitlin Clark turns focus back to basketball as training camp opens for Indiana Fever
Cubs place LHP Jordan Wicks on 15
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America
Oklahoma tornadoes kill 4; state of emergency issued amid damage
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
Nichushkin records 1st career hat trick, Avalanche beat Jets 5