Lu Dort's hot start drives OKC to thunder

Oklahoma City started the season 4-0. The team is going at full speed – and is not even at full strength yet. There's not much to complain about since an undefeated team outscores its opponents by an average of 17.5 points per game.

The Thunder rank third in the NBA in net rating and have been one of the most dominant teams in the league. The defense has been on the right track for a historic season, leading the league in defensive rating by a wide margin. The Thunder's current defensive rating is 91.3, and the Golden State Warriors are a distant second with 98.4. Defensive dominance is the main reason for the team's sky-high net rating, as the offense ranks 23rd. It makes it even crazier to have a top-three net rating considering one side of the pitch was so shaky.

Of course, Oklahoma City's offense will pick up steam at some point this season. The team was near the top in every offensive category a season ago, but was in a slight shooting slump early in the season. The only player holding the offense together? The team's best defender, Lu There.

Dort has gone through mixed patches in every season of his career, and that's to be expected of any NBA player. But last season he set career highs in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. It looks like his strong season has broadly continued. It's only four games, but the results are breathtaking. There he averaged 12.0 points per game on 57.1% from the floor and 57.9% from behind the 3-point line. He also averages just 0.3 turnovers and shoots 100% from the free throw line.

His volume hasn't increased either, which is exactly what Oklahoma City is looking for. His shooting diet was greatly improved a season ago and he still focuses on hitting good shots.

Obviously, 57.9% from behind the 3-point line is not a sustainable number. But considering his final season, Dort appears to be well on his way to becoming a 40 percent outside shooter. This is a huge victory for an elite defenseman who has completely transformed his offensive game. His contract looks better every year and he has played a big part in the Thunder's success so far.

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