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.
Messi to Miami: Soccer star, and a few teammates, show up for Heat
Farms a Hive of Activity Across China
China Reduces Personal Income Tax for Parents of Children under 3
The Dutchman flies back for Beijing show
Reading Becomes More Popular Among Chinese in 2021: Survey
China to Step up Preservation, Publication of Ancient Books
Rural Women Plant Trees, Hope in South China Desert
Sue Bird says joining ownership group of the Seattle Storm felt inevitable
How Will China Consolidate Poverty Alleviation Feats?