It’s been an ongoing struggle offensively for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s new Big Three of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Paul George this season. All three are shooting career-lows from the field, and combined to go just 10-of-45 (22 percent) against the Indiana Pacers.
After the game, Anthony offered up a possible explanation as to why all three have been so inefficient thus far this season.
“I think we're not used to [open shots], maybe?” Anthony said per ESPN's Royce Young. “The way we get the shots, the way we get the ball, none of us are used to having it in that position, having it in certain spots on the court. Maybe being that wide open sometimes. But, I don't know, we still gotta make shots. If we miss open shots, we miss open shots — can't really do nothing about that but keep shooting.”
While it may be laughable for fans to hear Carmelo Anthony complaining about being too open, the point he’s just trying to make is that it’s still an adjustment for them to play a different way with the Thunder compared to what they’ve been accustomed to for most of their careers.
Having to adjust playing styles was the obvious potential downside when they all came together in the offseason, and the growing pains have been clear for all to see.
Regardless, the Thunder “Big Three” are still supremely-talented players and really have no excuse to not hit their shots. It’s incumbent upon those three stars to make the necessary adjustments in order to make their situation work.