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PHOENIX — Much has been made of the Thunder’s commitment to its identity.
To relying on short stacks instead of skyscrapers, skill players and ball handlers instead of bruisers and enforcers. Choosing Kenrich Williams’ archetype over someone like Andre Drummond. Dissing the idea of giving a traditional big man rotational minutes at the deadline.
The Thunder is unapologetically unique and is riding its mantra until the wheels fall off, undeterred by nights like Jusuf Nurkic’s franchise-record 31 rebounds and the subsequent groans from viewers.
“A lot of nights we lose the rebounding battle,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said after a 118-110 win against the Suns on Sunday night. “And as long as the benefit continues to outweigh the cost, we’re going to continue to accept the trade-offs. We’re not going to be a perfect team.
“At the end of the day, there’s more to the game than just rebounding. … If we try to solve every problem, then we’re gonna be trying to chase our shadow.”
In the meantime, the Thunder will hope to thrive by forcing turnovers the way it did Sunday and has all season. There will always be a Nurkic or someone similarly physically imposing. OKC is willing to live with that if it can still earn extra possessions by putting ball handlers like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in a box. It’ll bet on scattered disruption like it saw from Aaron Wiggins (five steals) and Lu Dort before it ever truly loses sleep on the boards.
More:What is OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s path to hoisting the NBA MVP trophy?
Thunder vs. Lakers
TIPOFF: 9:30 p.m. Monday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles (Bally Sports Oklahoma)
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