The young Oklahoma City Thunder are catching national attention with a high-scoring offense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but their defense is equally outstanding, claiming the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans. Led by Chet Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Lu Dort, the Thunder is dominating defensively.
The defense held the Pelicans to 92 points or fewer in all four games of the first round. Heading into the Western Conference semifinals, Oklahoma City will need to maintain their defensive prowess against the Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Clippers.