Oklahoma City is off to a fantastic start and the basketball world is taking notice. The Thunder didn't advance in the in-season tournament, but virtually every other aspect of the season has been picture-perfect. As a team, OKC is 14-7 and in possession of the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
A big reason for the team's success is the buy-in on both ends of the floor. Oklahoma City has had success on the defensive side of the floor during the last few seasons, showing the identity the team was building for the future. Now, with an infusion of talent, the offense has finally caught up with the defense.
Oklahoma City ranks sixth in the NBA in points scored, and the team is tied for first in 3-point percentage at 38.7%. The Thunder is on pace for a 50-win season, and the team has all the makings of being special early on.
Two of the biggest reasons why are in the backcourt with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe. The Thunder's guard duo has been unstoppable, and the team has been noticeably better when the two are on the floor together.
In terms of plus-minus statistics, both Joe and Gilgeous-Alexander rank in the top three of the entire NBA. Joe is No. 1 in the league at a plus-186, while Gilgeous-Alexander isn't far behind at plus-168.
SGA is averaging an impressive 30.5 points, 6.2 assists and 5.6 rebounds on 54.4%. His efficiency has been unbelievable, and he's squarely in the MVP race. Joe has been one of the best players on the team and is adding 10.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per night on a red-hot 44.2% from 3-point range. It's hard to ignore how much better Oklahoma City is when Joe is on the floor.
By looking at the statistics and watching the games, it's not hard to tell how impactful Joe and Gilgeous-Alexander are together. They are leading the Thunder back to relevancy in a big season.
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