Currently on-pace to produce more steals per game (10.8) than any team in the NBA’s last 25 years, the Oklahoma City Thunder — in ways few others do — understand the importance of making offensive talents think twice before passing. Soon positioned to give Oklahoma City a taste of its own medicine, Jaylen Clark focuses in, first urging Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pick-and-roll direction towards the floor’s crowded middle, encouraging the lesser of the two evils. Keeping his head swiveled and his hands active, Clark then turns his teammates’ trap into a tipped pass before racing towards Row A in hopes of keeping possession alive. Accurate in the ensuing save, Clark sends the basketball skyward and ultimately, within grasp of his veteran guard who finishes the job, setting up a transition jam. Long known for his notorious defensive instincts, Clark showcased gifts in abundance during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ competitive loss on February 23, 2025, recording 14 points (on a nearly-pristine six-of-seven), alongside one rebound, four steals, and two 3-pointers. · Feb 24, 2025