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
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami named the 18th
64 people charged in sexual abuse investigations in Canada, Ontario police say
Retired pro wrestler who ran twice for Congress pleads not guilty in Las Vegas murder case
Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer
Top water official in New Mexico to retire as state awaits decision in Rio Grande case
Footage shows Fox Theatre balcony bouncing as excited fans dance at Gunna's Atlanta concert
Jean Smart reveals Harry Styles' cheeky 'hack' for checking into hotels undercover
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
Florida deputies who fatally shot US airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says