Thunderous Intentions
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Player Grades: Thunder comeback falls short against Milwaukee

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 29, 2017: Russell Westbrook
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 29, 2017: Russell Westbrook /
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OKC Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 29, 2017: Jerami Grant #9 of the OKC Thunder looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 29, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

OKC Thunder Best Reserve

A-. . Point Guard. Oklahoma City Thunder. RAYMOND FELTON

I am ready to defend this take to the grave. Yes, Josh Huestis proved to everybody in Thunder Nation that he should have rightfully started tonight. But Raymond Felton’s work as OKC’s only other playmaker was more important tonight. Ray Ray ensured that his entire second-unit ended with a positive +/-,  including his own +20 in 21 minutes. Felton tied his season-high with 6 assists and was one rebound away from another season-high, proving his impact in every facet of the game.

The big negative in his final grade are those pesky free throws. Felton missed 2 of 3 after being fouled on a three-pointer in the closing minutes of the fourth. You expect your veteran pg to make at least two of those (the same goes for Russ). You hate to see a team lose out on five points in the final three minutes – those should be near gimme’s at this level.

Milwaukee Bucks Best Reserve

. Small Forward. Milwaukee Bucks. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO. B+

Runner-up for this goes to John Henson for going blow-for-blow with Steven Adams all night. Giannis ultimately takes the crown simply because he’s one of the eight best basketball players in the world. His 23-12-6 on 10-16 shooting was more casual than the two drinks you claim you’re going to buy when you go out for casuals at 5 pm on a Thursday.

Bad joke? Bad joke. Sorry – I’m only trying to lighten the mood after we watched this man clearly step out of bounds before dunking on our MVP to steal a game in the Peake. Darn you Greek Freak.

Final Thoughts

  • If we were to follow the belief that Thunder Nation only celebrates when Russell Westbrook performs well, then OKC won tonight. And that’s solely because of the monstrosity that was this poster:
  • Speaking of dunking, Jerami Grant’s pure presence in the paint changes the way players react on both ends of the floor. Opponents are very cognizant of the leaper’s ability to put a player on Sportscenter’s Top 10 plays for all the wrong reason – it’s hilarious watching them grab him whenever he bulldozes his way to the rim.
  • RIP Alex Abrines (for now). Josh Huestis has firmly secured the backup two guard/three guard spot.
  • I’m honestly not losing any pep in my step from this loss. The Thunder were playing without their second-best player against a team that matches up fairly well with them. They recovered after a tough first quarter and gave themselves an opportunity to win the game at the end. That’s all you can ask for after being down 20.

Next: The Thunder's bench unit is still struggling

Next up is a play date with the Dallas Mavericks on New Year’s Eve. Hopefully Thunderous Intentions will be here to help you ring in 2018 with an OKC victory. If not we can all wallow in pity together as the ball drops. Until then make sure you’re checking the site for all of our great content.

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