NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs facing questions about their relative youth and playoff inexperience.
Four games later, the Thunder is on to the second round after a convincing sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans.
“That’s another thing for us to not think about,” Thunder forward Jalen Williams said. “We’re coming in to compete — no matter how old we are.”
The average age on the Thunder roster was less than 24 years old when the playoffs began. But coach Mark Daigneault, named NBA coach of the year this week, has been quick to point out that youth and maturity are not mutually exclusive.
“We have a mature team. We have a committed team,” Daigneault said. “We’ve got an uncommon group of people and players.”
That maturity was on full display in the way the Thunder have committed to defense, holding the Pelicans to 92 or fewer points in each game of the first round.
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
Ohio police fatally shoot Amazon warehouse guard who tried to kill supervisor, authorities say
Chinese books, cultural products welcomed at int'l book fair in Morocco
Chinese books, cultural products welcomed at int'l book fair in Morocco
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
New Builders initiative looks to fight polarization by encouraging collaboration and alliances
How does Cannes work? From the standing ovations to the juries, the film festival explained
US suggests possibility of penalties if production of Chinese electric vehicles moves to Mexico
Unvaccinated mother tells of her 'immense guilt' after 21
Seven sneaky clauses in estate agent contracts that can cost you dear
DeSantis is planning to raise money for Trump in Florida, Texas