The rise of this OKC Thunder team from the 10th seed last year to, now, the top seed in the West has been a beauty to watch. From being a play-in team to winning 57 games and becoming the youngest team in NBA history to clinch the top spot in a conference, and now winning a playoff series, it has been an incredible season for the OKC Thunder.
It was a huge leap for the Thunder. And now, it’s no longer a conversation about how bright this team’s future is — the future starts now for this iteration of the Thunder.
Beyond all the great stats and historical significance, there are quite a few unsung heroes on the court who have contributed greatly to OKC’s cause this postseason.
Here are some of the unsung heroes who helped the Thunder win their first playoff series since 2016.
Oklahoma City Thunder Playoff Unsung Heros
Lu Dort
The MVP and the man to thank the most for OKC winning their first playoff series since 2016 is Lu Dort.
Although Dort hasn’t made an NBA All-Defensive Team, when you watch him defend, you know he’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
Lu Dort is one of the most physical and relentless defenders. He’s also very skilled and methodical, along with being very quick on his feet.
Dort is always tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter/wing players, which he did, wreaking havoc, and serving as Brandon Ingram’s primary defender during the series.
During the first round of the playoffs, Brandon Ingram averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 34.5 percent shooting from the field, and 25 percent shooting from three.
Lu Dort put on a defensive masterclass on Ingram, as he made him very uncomfortable, Dort was very physical with him, and he bumped Ingram off of his spots. Dort gave Ingram no room to operate and made Ingram work for every single basket.
Through the totality of the series, when guarded by Lu Dort, Brandon Ingram only scored 28 points on 11-of-33 shooting, a massive difference from his regular season average.
Obviously, Lu Dort’s stellar defense will overshadow how impactful he was on the offensive end. During the first round, Dort averaged 11 points per game while shooting 52.2 percent on 5.8 attempts from three.
In four defensive-oriented games, Dort was the undoubted driving force behind OKC’s victories. He’s not the loudest, he’s not boastful like many of the best defensive players in the league, but his impact is certainly felt.
Cason Wallace
Cason Wallace is the type of two-way player that every championship contender would love to have on their team with the tenacity and impact he brings to the team.
He is a 20-year-old rookie who was the 10th pick of the 2023 NBA draft, the two-way guard made a bigger impact than what the box score indicated.
Wallace played the most minutes off the bench which showed how much trust OKC has in him. He was on the floor for 17.5 minutes per night and was consistent on both ends.
The threat that Wallace provided from three throughout the series, was pivotal as he provided much-needed spacing for their “Big Three”.
His defense was massive for them, as he found himself defending CJ McCollum for the majority of the series and he made the game-winning defensive stop on McCollum during Game 1.
Despite his age and inexperience, Wallace’s value on the court has been incredible for the Thunder. On a team full of versatility and two-way players, Wallace has shown flashes as the best defensive guy on the roster, while providing the spacing this offense needs to thrive.
Although many will continue to overlook him as just another piece, Wallace has proved in his first season, that he is someone to keep for the Thunder.
Aaron Wiggins
Aaron Wiggins is a versatile two-way player who impacts the game in a multitude of ways. He has been very crucial off the bench for the Thunder.
Drafted with the 55th pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the 6’5 wing contributes more than what his first-round playoff averages of 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game indicate.
In whatever role he plays for the Thunder, he thrives. He continues to be incredibly efficient from the field, his off-ball movement and cutting have been elite, and he continues to show improvement in scoring off the dribble, along with his offensive and defensive awareness.
Wiggins continues to make the most of his minutes as he averaged 15 minutes per game during the first round. Wiggins’ all-around play is an important ingredient in OKC’s recipe for success this season.
Aaron Wiggins continues to be overlooked and overshadowed due to how talented this Thunder team is. I will continue to advocate for more Aaron Wiggins minutes as he should locked in as a rotational player for the Thunder moving forward.
