After getting hot in February, Oklahoma City has dropped two disappointing games in its last three outings. An inexplicable loss to the Spurs was worse than a road loss to the Lakers, but the way the Thunder lost in Los Angeles was concerning.
Oklahoma City was simply dominated, down by 20 points most of the second half. Uncharacteristic misses and stagnant offense seemed to be the theme of the night and nobody could get in a rhythm. The Lakers guarded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander better than anyone has this season, and nobody else stepped up. The spacing was poor and it got out of hand in a hurry.
In between the two disappointing losses, Oklahoma City knocked off the Phoenix Suns. If it weren't for a fourth quarter rally though, we'd be talking about three straight devastating losses and a big time blown lead. Part of the reason Oklahoma City's offense has struggled can be attributed to the team's sixth man slowing down from distance.
Over the first half of the season, Isaiah Joe was reliable for around 10 points per game and rarely missed any open looks. His misses were devastating against the Suns and inopportune against the Lakers.
Over the last 10 games, Joe is averaging just 6.6 points per game. Over that span, he's shooting 38.9% from 3-point range, which is still above league average, but considering the looks he's getting and what he started the season at, it leaves a bit to be desired.
His looks have been relatively wide-open outside of shot fakes and fly by's. Usually he's an elite floor spacer that forms a dynamic duo with Gilgeous-Alexander. His ghost screen into a 3-point make was lethal before the All-Star break. Oklahoma City's offense has desperately been missing that even though they've been able to score points.
Down the stretch and into the playoffs, the Thunder will need to rely on its sixth man for more than six points a night. Joe has to step up his game to lead Oklahoma City's bench and pick up the slack for the starters. He's more than capable of doing so.
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