Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort anchor elite Thunder defense heading into second round of NBA playoffs
New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) attempts a 3-point shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Gerald Herbert]
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The young Oklahoma City Thunder finally have started drawing national attention with a high-scoring offense led by MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But while best known for their scoring prowess, the Thunder also boast a defense that ranked among the league’s best. Rim protector Chet Holmgren and elite on-ball defender Lu Dort anchored a unit that continued to excel as Oklahoma City swept the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round. The Thunder defense will need to keep it going against the Dallas Mavericks or the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round if they are to advance further.
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