Lineup change drives Thunder to big win over Clippers

Joe replaced Josh Giddey to start the third quarter. When the third began, OKC was up by two points. By the time it ended, they led by 14.

Giddey was the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA draft. While the Thunder aren't giving up on him, it's hard to argue that the team isn't better with Joe playing ahead of him. The starting lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Giddey, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren is easily OKC's most-used five-man lineup, and they're outscoring opponents by 6.7 points per 100 possessions. Sub in Joe for Giddey, and they're +29.1 points per 100.

The 24-year-old Joe is shooting 42.7 percent from three-point range. Though undersized at 6-foot-4, 165 pounds, he's drawn more charges than all but five players in the NBA, with 13.

The Thunder simply have a far more dangerous offense with Joe's shooting and driving threats. Giddey is a big ball handler and strong passer, but he only shoots 32.5 percent from deep and dunked three times all season even though he's 6-foot-8.

Joe made all four of his shots in the third quarter on Thursday, adding an assist, as the game swung in the Thunder's favor.

The Thunder aren't likely to permanently boot Giddey from the starting lineup, especially when they're one game out of first in the Western Conference. But come playoff time, don't be surprised if Joe is part of the starting lineup.