Thunder Player Grades: Reserves inspired effort vaults OKC into 5th

12 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 5 turnovers.

Plus / Minus Differential: plus +3

Field Goals: 4 of 7, Three pointers: 2 of 2, Free Throws: 2 of 2

Early energy led to five quick points.  He pressed full court a couple times, had deflections and followed Patty Mills in all his cuts around the floor like the greyhound he is. What became obvious is Brewer will handle the harder backcourt assignment as he shifted onto Tony Parker the minute he came into the game shifting Russ onto Mills.

Brewer had a key steal which lead to a follow up putback basket by Grant to give the Thunder a 22-17 lead. The other takeaway from the first quarter is Brewer’s activity while expected to help the offense is also paying dividends defensively. For example Raymond Felton’s end of quarter steal came about because Brewer pinched in on Manu Ginobili forcing the inbounder to toss an errant pass leading to a steal that Felton almost bounced in.

His presence wasn’t felt particularly on offense in the second half as he was limited to two points. Still, as he assimilates into the the new system his energy and potential defensive pluses are paying dividends.

I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t keen on this addition. But,  facing a solid Spurs defense and witnessing his effect, I have to admit his presence made a difference