Opinion
3 min read

Thunder's Quest for Dominance Heads North to Face Raptors

As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face off against the Toronto Raptors, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Thunder have been on a tear recently, and their performance in past games suggests that they will bring a storm of intensity to Scotiabank Arena.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 4:  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes to the basket during the game on February 4, 2024 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

On March 10th, Oklahoma City decimated the Memphis Grizzlies with a staggering 124-93 victory at Paycom Center. The Thunder led for an impressive 47 minutes and nine seconds, never giving the Grizzlies a chance to take control. With an offensive rating of 127.57 and defensive rating of just 95.01, OKC demonstrated their ability to dominate on both ends of the court.


The following day against the Miami Heat was no different; OKC emerged victorious once again with a scoreline of 107-100. Despite nine times tied and eleven lead changes throughout the game, it was Oklahoma City's second-chance points that stood out – they capitalized on nearly every opportunity given by Miami's defense.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 4:  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a free throw during the game on February 4, 2024 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Earlier in March (7th), OKC showcased their offensive prowess against Portland Trail Blazers by securing another win with an impressive scoreline of 128-120 at Moda Center. Their efficiency game score was through the roof at 109.9, coupled with an offensive points per possession rate at 1.25 – numbers that speak volumes about their scoring capabilities.


The Raptors should be wary; Oklahoma City is not only winning but doing so convincingly with significant margins and high efficiency ratings across recent games.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 4:  RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors goes to the basket during the game on February 4, 2024 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Toronto has its work cut out for them as they attempt to contain OKC’s dynamic offense which boasts a true shooting percentage as high as 70 percent from their game against Portland Trail Blazers on March 7th – indicative of how lethal they can be when given space.


However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge Toronto's resilience and potential threat they pose as hosts; after all, home-court advantage is not something easily overlooked in basketball dynamics.


As we look ahead towards this matchup scheduled for March 22nd at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at precisely six o'clock post meridian Eastern Time (-05:00), fans can catch all action live via SportsNet or KSBI networks depending upon your location preference for viewing pleasure!

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