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Five takeaways from the Thunder’s blowout loss in Houston

By Tony Heim

Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Semaj Christon (6) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Semaj Christon (6) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Semaj Christon is a pro ball player…on the defensive end

Semaj Christon has gotten a whole lot of love from Thunder fans lately, and rightfully so. His offensive game is still a serious work in progress, but his effort on the defensive end is Patrick Beverley-like. So guess who got time guarding James Harden with Andre Roberson in foul trouble? Backwards James. And you know what? He didn’t do that bad of a job.

Christon is quick enough to keep up with anyone so he can guard his man tighter than most; sometimes he’ll even pick up his opponent full court. He truly is the reincarnation of Beverley, all the way down to their path to the league.

Related Story: Semaj Christon has become Westbrook’s perfect backup

Both players were second round draft picks. Both took a couple years to reach the NBA, playing both overseas and in the D-League. The difference is Beverley’s offensive game was much more advanced.

Christon is going to have to improve his shooting if he wants to stick in Oklahoma City. It looks like the Thunder are going to invest long-term in Roberson so they can’t afford to hold another roster spot for an all-defense no-offense guard.

I like Christon. His peskiness is something this team desperately needs. The 24-year old is one of the few players who goes 110% every game and we know he’s not afraid of to stick up for himself. But if he’s not hitting open threes like the one attempt he had last night, Christon doesn’t have a spot in this modern NBA.

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