Oklahoma City has been on both sides of down-to-the-wire games over the first 20 games of the season. Until Saturday night’s ugly showing in Houston, the Thunder had done a solid job of staying competitive in nearly every game on the schedule.
If it weren’t for the team’s first quarter defense, though, Oklahoma City would probably have a few more wins added onto the current total. As of Sunday, the Thunder currently sit at No. 28 in the NBA in first quarter defense, allowing an average of 31.4 points per night. OKC struggles to guard the perimeter, trying to key in on paint defense and rebounding, which in turn leads to which open threes for opponents.
After the first quarter, it’s up to the Thunder’s young core to make an inspiring comeback night after night. A season ago, Oklahoma City gave up 29.5 points on average in the opening frame, which isn’t a solid number by any…
