Prada's Pictures

Fantastic series and a must read on a weekly basis.

Today focuses on OKC's defense

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Otherwise, though, the defense hinges on pressure, recovery and length. The Thunder are fine selling out to the ball because they know they can recover to fill any gaps.

The collective wingspan of this team is off the charts.

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A couple years ago, the Thunder realized that they could have all their help defenders take two steps closer to the rim and still have enough length to contest the perimeter

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Ibaka, meanwhile, is the reason why teams still try moving the ball on the perimeter against the Thunder despite their length. He's always been a genius weak-side shot blocker, but Ibaka's positioning and timing continues to improve. He used to get caught too far away from the rim on help coverages, but now he knows he's most useful at the rim

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Sound familiar? The Thunder haven't always been this good on defense. Takes time to understand angles, opposing players, scheme (and Monty's scheme has changed recently). Hope the Pelicans can get to that level.

Lots of love for Sefalosha in there too. He is a guy the Pelicans could use. If they dump Gordon and have cap space, he needs to be a phone call.

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