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Five takeaways from the Thunder’s loss in Milwaukee

By Tony Heim

Jan 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tony Snell (21) drives for the basket during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tony Snell (21) drives for the basket during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Anthony Morrow’s nine-game audition did not end well

Life comes at you fast. Just ask Anthony Morrow. 20 games ago Morrow replaced Alex Abrines as the “shooter” on the second unit. The Thunder won seven of their next nine games and Morrow played fantastic. I even wrote how he could be the missing piece.

Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) passes the ball around the defense of Miami Heat guard Rodney McGruder (17) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Miami Heat 106-94. Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) passes the ball around the defense of Miami Heat guard Rodney McGruder (17) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Miami Heat 106-94. Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

When Oladipo went down with the wrist injury, Morrow replaced him in the starting lineup after a quick Jerami Grant experiment. In his eight starts, the 31-year old only recorded 20+ minutes three times. During that span, the “sharpshooter” shot 5-22 from deep.

Now that Oladipo is back, Morrow has lost virtually all of playing time. He played five minutes in the blowout win on New Year’s Eve, and he recorded a DNP tonight against the Bucks. With the Spaniard Sharpshooter coming into form, it makes zero sense for the Thunder to keep playing Morrow. If he’s not hitting, Morrow brings next to nothing for the team. Both are terrible defenders, but at 23-years old at least they know Abrines can improve.

It’s truly a shame that Morrow can’t find a consistent stroke. When he’s hitting, he brings such an interesting dynamic to this OKC team. But it seems like Abrines is turning into what the Thunder wanted Morrow to be.

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