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Taj Gibson Season Review – The Glue Guy

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) helps up guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) helps up guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taj Gibson
Mar 14, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Taj Gibson (22) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets small forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Highlights

Given Gibson arrived post trade and All-Star Break there are only 28 games to pull from for highlights.

Still, there are a few which stand out.

Playoff Prowess:

As previously mentioned Gibson produced his most complete performance in Game 3 of the first round series versus the Houston Rockets. On this night his 20 points was pivotal to the Thunder win.

Offensive Break Out, Game 3:

Game 2, Gibson delivers on both ends:

Although game 3 was Gibson’s highest scoring night,  his effort in the game 2 loss offered insight into his 2-way game.  Taj scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but his defense helped keep the Thunder in the game. His plus 17 point differential reflected how much he added to the starting unit and once more pointed to the problems OKC’s reserve unit had. The starting unit held jumped out to a 20-7 lead and often held a 13 point differential through the first quarter.

First Game with Thunder:

As Gibson donned his OKC Thunder jersey for the first time he showcased why Presti added him at the deadline:

Through the next 22 games there were hints of what Gibson could add to the Thunder squad. He was especially strong in big games against stiff competitors.

Portland Trail Blazers, March 2:

Though the Thunder lost this game Gibson delivered with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in his complete game effort.

Utah Jazz, March 11:

Taj posted another solid 2-way effort in his second game after moving into the starting rotation. Gibson scored 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and was a plus 22.

The Heave:

Though it’s unlikely Gibson will ever become a three point shooting specialist it would be remiss of TI to not include this amazing heave full court heave to end the half in Portland.

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