Throughout this successful Thunder season, a consistent challenge has been adapting to various start times, disrupting players’ routines and rhythms, and leaving the team sluggish, particularly on the defensive end.
In afternoon games this season, the Thunder stumbled with a 1-3 record, openly acknowledging the impact of altered tip-off times on their performance.
Chet Holmgren, Thunder’s rookie center, addressed the issue, stating, “Obviously it is different, you do not have the full day for your normal routine… That is no excuse; we have to have the same preparation and mindset coming into every game, no matter what time it is.”
Head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the opponent also faces an afternoon start time, minimizing the impact on the Thunder’s performance.
On Tuesday, the Thunder faces another challenge with a 9 p.m. CT tip-off against the Rockets, disrupting their usual game day routines.
As the postseason approaches, the NBA tends to shift game times for national television slots, requiring teams to adapt to varying schedules. The young OKC roster must learn to navigate these fluid start times to succeed in the postseason, making Tuesday’s game against the Rockets an opportunity to overcome this hurdle.
In other Thunder-related news, following their comeback win against the Rockets, coach Ime Udoka highlighted the challenges of containing the Oklahoma City offense. Chet Holmgren emphasized the importance of shot selection, showing maturity in his approach. Keyontae Johnson continues to impress in the NBA G League, showcasing his skills in scoring, rebounding, and transition play. Olivier Sarr, dealing with a minor ankle injury, remains optimistic for future games after a standout performance last Friday. The OKC Thunder’s “Legacy Wall” prompts discussions about who, despite not wearing a Thunder jersey, deserves recognition. The L.A. Clippers’ rebranding efforts spark speculation about the Thunder’s potential changes before their new arena’s debut in 2029-30.
As the Thunder gear up for a late-night game, the Inside the Thunder crew anticipates extensive coverage of the contest.
