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
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A county judge could rule as early as Monday on Ohio’s law banning virtually a2024-05-21Phoenix make history as Surman delivers at the death
Finn Surman and the Phoenix celebrate after scoring late against the Melbourne Victory FC at Sky Sta2024-05-21Simon Harris elected as Ireland's new prime minister
A handout photograph taken on, and released by Ireland's Houses of the Oireachtas on 9 April 2024 sh2024-05-21VOX POPULI: The special charm of Gaudi’s unfinished work: Sagrada Familia
What is the allure of unfinished works of art?Gifted architect Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) started buil2024-05-21Mystery artist who erected signs comparing pothole
A defiant resident infuriated by the potholes in their road has taken revenge on the council by erec2024-05-21Taranaki DHB slammed for inadequate care of patient following surgical mesh procedure
Taranaki Base Hospital. Photo: Google Maps2024-05-21
atest comment