Thunder brushed off questions about youth, inexperience, in first
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.
Related articles
- Receiver Jaylen Waddle, linebacker Jaelan Phillips, defensive end Gregory Rousseau, left tackle Chri2024-05-01
What is Havana syndrome? Symptoms explained after bombshell 60 Minutes episode
A stunning exposé has revived speculation that 'Havana syndrome,' the mystery ailment plaguing US di2024-05-01Vanessa Hudgens displays her baby bump in a tight
Vanessa Hudgens showed off her baby bump while attending an event to celebrate the launch of the All2024-05-01China's latest missile test raises the stakes for Biden's nuclear weapons review
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-01Conservative states challenge federal rule on treatment of transgender students
At least five Republican state attorneys general are challenging a federal regulation that seeks to2024-05-01Callaghan Innovation wants to cut staff, focus on money
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King2024-05-01
atest comment