OKC Thunder Grades: Twin Towers Lineup Leads to Victory

The Storm Report has your OKC Thunder grades from today’s big win over the Chicago Bulls. Scott Brooks tweaked the lineup yet again and has struck gold on two consecutive occasions. The Thunder overcame early shooting woes and got some clutch defensive plays from Dion Waiters and Russell Westbrook to seal the game, as well as amazing shooting off the bench. It was a big win to keep pace in the Western Conference standings and a confidence boost before moving on to a tough road test on Monday night.

OKC THUNDER GRADES – The Starting Five

Stats: 11 points, 4-of-13 FGA, 2 rebounds.

Another rough night for Dion, who’s clearly forcing his shot out there. At some point, you hope that he turns it around but that doesn’t seem to be part of his mental composition. You can appreciate how fearless he is in attacking defenders and he’s definitely talented, but when the team is struggling as it did in the first quarter (shooting just 18 percent early on), taking fade-away 20-footers isn’t going to help.

Stats: 14 points, 6-of-13 FGA, 11 rebounds, 1 assist.

The “Big Kiwi” was certainly missed over the last few weeks and reminded everyone how dangerous OKC can be at full strength. Inserted into the starting lineup to contend with

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, Adams performed admirably despite still limited by his broken hand (he missed two easy shots at the rim). The foul trouble was troubling but I don’t think it was an issue, considering how unfairly it was called in Chicago’s favor.

Stats:36  points, 12-of-27 FGA, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal.

Tough to grade this one given how badly Westbrook started off (going 1-of-8) and then finished with a fairly-efficient stat line. Moreover, he limited his turnovers (just four) after struggling with his ball handling of late.

Stats: 4 points, 2-of-3 FGA, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 block.

A pretty solid game for Roberson, who

continues to start

despite some incredible shooting from

of late.

Stats: 18

points, 7-of-16 FGA, 18 rebounds, 2 steals.

The game wasn’t perfect but it was a perfect reminder that Kanter was a steal at the trade deadline. He struggled to guard Pau Gasol somewhat but, overall, he was sensational, spinning in the paint for easy baskets or grabbing a team-high 18 boards (his highest total since joining the Thunder) including a franchise-record 10 in the first quarter. The pairing of Kanter/Adams was undoubtedly a success.

OKC THUNDER GRADES – The Reserves

Stats: 26 points, 9-of-15 FGA, 9 rebounds, 6 assists.

The bench was a little thin yet again but got some huge performances from

and Morrow, who combined for 22 points, including 6-of-9 shooting from the perimeter. Morrow’s 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter was the dagger that killed the Bulls comeback dreams. You would’ve hoped for more production in order to give the starting unit a rest before a Monday’s matchup at Dallas but hopefully Ibaka will return and be a factor after missing the last two games.

CHICAGO BULLS – Top Performer

Stats: 27 points,  8-of-18 FGA, 4 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals.

What is it about Mirotic? The bearded rookie really seems to have OKC’s number, able to contort his way into the lane, or knock down the long-range jumper (though he did finish 2-of-8). Once again, he seemed to have every foul call go his way and finished with nine free throw attempts. The calls were questionable but his veteran savvy is legit and makes him a nightmare to cover. I’m glad we won’t face him again unless the two teams meet in the Finals.

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