National Basketball Association

Thunder Preseason: Five Things OKC Learned against Barcelona

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:38 p.m. ET

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After a poor second half against Real Madrid, Thunder preseason got back on track with a win against Barcelona.

There were more than a few takeaways from Wednesday’s win against Barcelona; Oklahoma City’s defense looked much better while the offense was lacking. But some players stood out. Here’s five quick takeaways from the Thunder’s second preseason game.

Sep 23, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) poses for portraits during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

1. Russell Westbrook has completely overhauled his style of play.

Russ still likes to attack, but his immediate focus is distributing the ball to his teammates. There will still be possessions where Russ goes one-on-one, but those will happen far less this season.

It seems like the team has truly bought in to Billy Donovan’s side-to-side offense. The roster fits the style, and Russ will find even more opportunities to score in it. Westbrook is built to be a slasher, and in this constant motion offense Russ can flourish.

2. Andre Roberson is due for a nice contract this summer.

Robersoon looked gooooooooood today; especially at the start of the second half. The Thunder’s starting lineup came out firing and that intensity was led by Roberson. The new small forward had two quick steals for easy transition dunks. Including this bad boy:

Andre Roberson with a "360" jam. https://t.co/8l795FDV1I

— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) October 5, 2016

The 24-year old shot 4-5 from the field with his only miss coming from his lone attempted three. That miss is key though. Roberson looked comfortable shooting off a quick ball rotation; he didn’t think twice about shooting. Much has been said about his work this offseason, and through two games it has showed.

3. Domantas Sabonis is the real deal.

If you told me two months ago that Sabonis would start the first two preseason games I would have laughed in your face. Surely he would slowly be integrated like Thunder rookies of the past; it’s been everything BUT that so far.

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Sabonis has made the most of his 60 minutes in preseason, averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds. He’s made 6-9 from the field, including 3-4 from the behind the line. And the shot has been pure.

His defense still needs work, but his footwork on the perimeter has improved vastly since leaving Gonzaga. There’s a reason the rookie has played more minutes than anyone else but Victor Oladipo; they expect him to be a big contributor this year.

4. Ball security is going to be an issue this season.

The Thunder are averaging 22 turnovers a game so far. THEY HAD 27 AGAINST BARCELONA. That’s not good. This is a young team that hasn’t had much time to mesh. Nobody was expecting perfection this early in the season, but 27 turnovers in one game against a non-NBA team is a little much.

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Russ led the way with six; every starter recorded at least two. If the Thunder are going to exceed expectations it will be in large part to their team chemistry. Leicester City showed the sports world that teamwork can win championships; hopefully Russ payed attention to their run.

5. The Thunder have the chance to be a top-five defensive team.

The athletes are in place. The size down low is in place. Now the players need to learn how to communicate for a full 48 minutes.

Oklahoma City gave up 90 points in the second half of Monday’s loss to Real Madrid. They gave up 89 total against Barcelona. Without Steven Adams. Once Westbrook, Oladipo and Roberson master their defensive rotations on the perimeter everything else will fall into place. Even if a defensive breakdown happens, Adams will be waiting down low to impede anyone’s progress to the rim.

At least that’s how it’s supposed to work on paper.

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