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Oklahoma City Thunder: The Rookie Report – Week 6

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Nov 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Yogi Ferrell (10) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Semaj Christon (6) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Yogi Ferrell (10) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Semaj Christon (6) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Domantas Sabonis:

Knicks: Oklahoma City Thunder continued their winning ways versus the Knicks as they posted their third straight victory. Sabonis contributed 5 points and a single rebound in his 15:59 of playing time. Though Sabonis is posting decent field goal percentage (2 of 5) and hit his only 3-point attempt, the lack of rebounding is a concern. His point differential was a negative -8 which speaks to him needing to adjust to defenses at the pro level.

Wizards: A strong outing from the Lithuanian who delivered 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block in 18:37 on the court. Though Sabonis took no 3 -point shots he was perfect from the field shooting 5 for 5.

Pelicans:With the Oklahoma City Thunder continuing their winning streak reaching 5 in a row Sabonis offered 5 points, 2 steals and a block in 24: 32 playing time. Again, the lack of rebounds are becoming a real issue. Despite Westbrook grabbing ridiculous amounts of rebounds for a guard there are still instances where Sabonis is missing out on opportunities. Much of this has to do with him not boxing out his opponent and needing to gain more experience on where the ball will bounce off the rim.

Of note: Scott Howard Cooper of NBA.com placed Sabonis on his top 10 Rookie ladder this week:

Making 42.9 percent of his attempts behind the arc the last five games and 50 percent overall, even if it was while only getting about five attempts per, earns Sabonis another week on The Ladder. It helps, a lot, to be one of the few rookies who can shoot. He is fourth overall from the field and second on 3s while also eighth in minutes as a starter for a 14-8 team. Among the upcoming games: Tuesday at Portland, his first trip as a pro to his birthplace, home while father Arvydas played for the Trail Blazers.

In addition Sabonis ranks among the rookie leaders in several categories:

  • 3rd in three point field goal percent
  • Tied 3rd in double-doubles (notably only 4 players have registered double-doubles to date)
  • 4th in three point makes and field goal percent
  • Tied 6th in field goal attempts
  • 8th in rebounding, steals and minutes played
  • 9th in scoring
  • 15th in blocks
  • 18th in assists
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