Isaiah Joe has missed four straight games with a sternum injury, and Oklahoma City's offense has taken a noticeable hit. Despite Jalen Williams back in the lineup, the Thunder couldn't overcome Utah's furious second-half rally. The team really could've used someone like Joe to overcome its inconsistencies.
Against Utah, 3-point shooting wasn't necessarily the problem. The Thunder shot over 50% as a team and knocked down triples at a high clip. However, the lack of floor spacing was noticeable.
When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Joe share the floor together, Oklahoma City is an elite offensive team. Joe has mastered the art of the ghost screen and the defense has to give him respect wherever he is on the floor. That action really opens things up for Gilgeous-Alexander and allows him to get to his spots.
When it's Lu Dort and Josh Giddey instead of Joe, there's a reason they are wide open. Defenses are collapsing in on Gilgeous-Alexander to the point where he's essentially being guarded by three or four defenders.
Joe is also a plus defender on the floor, too. He very well could be the Thunder's most underrated piece for a second season in a row.
Oklahoma City is at its best when Gilgeous-Alexander is attacking downhill and making plays. Without Joe keeping defenders honest, SGA has to turn into a pass-first guard. Sure, in some games it'll work, and the guys around him will knock down wide open looks. But more games than not, it's a death sentence to take the ball out of SGA's hands.
The Thunder needs Joe back in the lineup not just for an outside shooting boost, but more importantly to open up the floor. His ghost screens, effort offensive rebounds and floor spacing go a long way for this group. Until he's back, OKC could continue to struggle.
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