Oklahoma City has started the season 4-0. The team is firing on all cylinders – and they’re not even at full strength yet. There’s not much to nitpick when an undefeated team outscored opponents by an average of 17.5 points per game.
The Thunder are ranked No. 3 in the NBA in net rating and are one of the most dominant teams in the league. The defense is on pace for a historic season, leading the league in defense by a wide margin. The Thunder’s current defensive rating is 91.3, and the Golden State Warriors are a distant second at 98.4. The defensive dominance is the biggest reason for the team’s sky-high net rating, as the offense ranks 23rd. It makes it even crazier to have a top three net rating considering one side of the floor is so shaky.
Of course, Oklahoma City’s offense will ramp up at some point this season. The team was near the top in every offensive category a season ago, but has had a bit of a slump early in the season. But the one player holding the offensive operation together? The team’s best defender, Lu Dort.
Dort has been on streaks every season of his career, and that’s to be expected from any NBA player. But last season he enjoyed career highs in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. It looks like his strong season has continued in a big way. It’s only four games, but the results are dazzling. Dort is averaging 12.0 points per game on 57.1% from the floor and 57.9% from behind the 3-point line. He also averages just 0.3 turnovers and shoots 100% from the free throw line.
His volume hasn’t increased either, which is what Oklahoma City is looking for. His shot diet has improved tremendously a season ago and he is still focused on making good shots.
Clearly, 57.9% behind the three-point line is not a sustainable number. But if you also include his final season, it appears Dort is well on his way to becoming a 40% outside shooter. For an elite defender who has completely transformed his attacking game, that’s a huge win. His contract is looking better every year, and he has been a big part of the Thunder’s success thus far.
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