Isaiah Joe is one of the Thunder’s most underrated players heading into a big season.
Oklahoma City’s bench is one of the strongest second units in the NBA. Plenty of focus is on the elite starting five and firepower within the first group — as it should be — but the Thunder’s bench is a unit that should be feared.Isaiah Hartensteindebuting in a few. Obviously with Hartenstein’s injury, the Thunder will have to plan for a few different lineups to start the season.
In 15 minutes off the bench, Joe totaled 16 points and four rebounds. The flame thrower was 4-of-8 from 3-point range and 6-of-10 from the floor. “I’m just doing whatever it takes to win games,” Joe said after the game. “Not taking possessions off, every little thing adds up. We have a great group of guys that’s wanting to win at all costs no matter what it means, if that’s taking a charge or getting a deflection or making the extra pass. We just have that winning mentality.”
A season ago, Joe averaged 8.2 points off the bench. He shot a career-high 45.8% from the floor and 41.6% from 3-point range on 4.5 attempts. When Josh Giddey struggled during the team’s playoff run, Joe was the spot starter, demonstrating the trust that the coaching staff has in him. He shot 41% from long range during the Thunder’s postseason run, too.
Joe might not be one of Oklahoma City’s most talked about players, but he’s certainly important to the team’s operation. With the attention that the team’s stars will get and the willingness to make the extra pass, he’ll have wide open looks this season.Want to join the discussion? Like
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