The fan-less arenas don’t just make players like Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul sound louder.
They put a spotlight on the people who aren’t talking. These athletes seem quieter, unable to blend in with the screaming crowd.
“When you’re not talking you can hear the silence on the court,” Thunder wing Darius Bazley said.
That’s one of the big things Oklahoma City is taking out of its three scrimmage games.
While those games were certainly helpful in allowing players to shake off rust and get used to playing other opponents, they weren’t a great barometer of the team’s preparedness. All three opponents were missing at least one star player, and starters barely played into the second half.
Head coach Billy Donovan did take away some play-specific areas the team can improve on, but as much as any other on-court need, communication loomed large.
That was power forward Danilo Gallinari’s biggest lesson learned.
“Communication, especially on the defensive end, is going to be key, especially considering the fact that everybody’s going to hear us in the gym,” Gallinari said. “The loudest team is going to have an advantage and it’s going to be easier to communicate from the bench to the court and vice-a-versa.”
Donovan has preached “togetherness” as a team. The best teams play together physically and mentally. Talking on the court contributes to that.
Gallinari alluded to this, saying it’s been a reason they’ve succeeded this year.
“Great communication, I think that’s the secret of the chemistry, and the secret of the success of this regular season,” he said.
Thunder players have been frequently asked about communication on the court during interviews in the bubble. Almost every time, the answer turns to how good Paul is about talking on the court.
Others talk too, but the conversation of communication inevitably returns to the point guard. Other players are going to have to match his tone these coming months.
For in the empty stands, it can’t be just Paul leading with his voice.
