In order to propel NBA teams to success, it is crucial for other scorers to step up and share the scoring load. The Oklahoma City Thunder heavily rely on MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and young All-Star Jalen Williams for scoring, with Gilgeous-Alexander alone responsible for 27% of his team’s points, the highest in the league. When Gilgeous-Alexander is on the court, the Thunder’s offensive rating soars to 121.5 points per 100 possessions, a mark that would rank them second in the NBA. However, when he is off the court, the team’s offensive efficiency drops significantly to 105.2, placing them at the bottom, even below the Washington Wizards.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, who currently hold a 36-18 record, maintaining discipline and reducing fouls are key factors to their success. The Grizzlies, known for their youthful energy, struggle with turnovers, ranking second-to-last in the league with 16.6 turnovers per game. Additionally, their tendency to commit fouls at a high rate, averaging 21.1 fouls per game, results in opponents getting to the free-throw line frequently with 24.6 attempts per game. This combination of turnovers and fouls can be exploited by veteran teams with experienced players.
The Denver Nuggets, with a record of 36-19, need to shore up their defense in the paint to solidify their chances of making a deep playoff run. While Nikola Jokić excels in many aspects of the game, leading the league in player impact estimate at 21.2%, their interior defense is a weak spot. Denver struggles to defend the low-post, ranking 26th in opponent points in the paint per game at 50.8 and allowing opponents to shoot 65.4% from five feet or closer, also ranking 26th in the league. Improving their defense around the basket will be crucial for the Nuggets to contend with other top teams in the playoffs.
This insightful analysis was originally featured in USA TODAY and highlights the specific areas of improvement that NBA contenders must focus on to enhance their chances of a successful playoff campaign.
