OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Hornets Game Grades
Feb 27, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts a shot against New Orleans Hornets guard Austin Rivers (25) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma City Thunder destroyed the New Orleans Hornets last night 119-74 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The win was the third in a row for the Thunder. After holding the Chicago Bulls to 29 percent shooting in their last game, New Orleans shot just 35 percent last night.
The Thunder led by 17 at halftime and then outscored the Hornets 57-29 in the second half. The Thunder had an insane 48-25 rebounding advantage for the game.
Here are the Game Grades:
Kevin Durant – 27 minutes, 18 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists – A+
Durant recorded his third triple-double of the season and his career. It was a very quick one too doing it in just 27 minutes. He continues to play the role of playmaker rather than scorer and last night it was a good thing. The Hornets made it easy for Durant to find open teammates but give KD credit too because some of his dimes were very impressive.
Russell Westbrook – 26 minutes, 29 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds – A
With Durant essentially playing point guard, Westbrook became the scorer. He had 18 in the first quarter including 8-for-8 free throws and finished with more point than minutes. His pull-up jumper was falling and that opened up everything else for him driving to the rim. Greivis Vasquez simply cannot stay in front of Westbrook and he abused him.
Serge Ibaka – 23 minutes, 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks – A
Ibaka was hitting his jumper but finishing around the rim a lot as well. He went 9-for-11 from the field and had four offensive rebounds. He was very aggressive and persistent getting shots to go down from in the paint.
Kevin Martin – 18 minutes, 14 points, 3 rebounds – B+
Martin was really efficient last night shooting 5-for-7 from the field and making both of his three-point attempts. He has shot the ball very well vs. the Hornets this season averaging 20-plus points per game against them in four games.
Kendrick Perkins – 23 minutes, 0 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks – B
Perkins didn’t score but definitely didn’t have to. He played great defense and did have three assists as well.
Thabo Sefolosha – 25 minutes, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals – B
When Westbrook is in full-on scoring mode, either Ibaka or Sefolosha gets less open looks. Last night it was Sefolosha who didn’t even attempt a three in the game. He still played well cutting to the rim nicely on a few occasions and scoring some.
Nick Collison – 14 minutes, 0 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists – B+
Collison missed his only shot attempt in the game but still was great offensively picking up four assists. When he has at least four assists in a game this season, the Thunder are 6-1.
Reggie Jackson – 22 minutes, 14 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound – A
Jackson looked good again. He made 6-of-10 shots and turned the ball over only once. He knocked down 2-of-3 threes which he has been doing pretty well lately. Unfortunately, it looks like Derek Fisher might be taking away some of his minutes.
Derek Fisher – 21 minutes, 0 points, 2 assists, 1 steal – D
Fisher made his Thunder debut this season and was not very good. He missed all four bricks he threw up from three and did little else. He is just out there spacing the floor and trying to play defense, which he is not very good at either. He came in with Jackson in the second quarter on the second unit which is not a good sign for the Thunder.
Hasheem Thabeet – 7 minutes, 0 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block – C
Thabeet didn’t get many minutes but came in and did his job. He finished with a few boards and of course blocked one shot, which was very impressive actually.
Perry Jones, III – 15 minutes, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal – B+
Jones posts a career-high nine points on 3-of-5 shooting. He knocked down a nice jumper and had a nice dunk off a cut too. He looked better than usual but still has a long way to go.
Ronnie Brewer – 12 minutes, 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals – B
Brewer also made his Thunder debut last night and was much better than Fisher. It was pretty much all garbage time but Brewer still showed that he can do, which is a lot of things. Hopefully, we will see Brewer getting in the game instead of Fisher by the playoffs.
DeAndre Liggins – 9 minutes, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal – B
Liggins is always great while he’s out there, no matter how short the time. It’s kind of too bad he will probably rarely be playing now with the acquisition of Brewer.