Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

NBA Summer League: OKC Thunder comeback bid falls short against Grizzlies

By Rylan Stiles

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: PJ Dozier #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: PJ Dozier #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Player Grades

OKC Starting Rotation:

B-. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. DANIEL HAMILTON

Once again the stat-line for Daniel Hamilton was impressive. However, for the point guard that led the G-league in triple-doubles this hasn’t been a shocking result. Hamilton logged 7-points, an impressive 11-rebounds (especially for a point guard), and 8-assists. The not so pretty note in the stat-line is the ugly turnover column. Hamilton gave up the ball five times tonight.

F. . SG. Oklahoma City Thunder. TERRANCE FERGUSON

Terrance Ferguson’s summer has been nothing short of a disaster. What should-be an easy confidence boost, like the Lakers have done with Josh Hart or the Mavericks with Dennis Smith, has turned into a self-esteem tear down. Ferguson has not been able to look even like a solid basketball player during this NBA Summer League.

Many thought he would just dominate the weaker competition as he gets ready to fill in rotational minutes for the varsity Thunder squad this winter. Instead, Ferguson has looked down right anemic. Tonight, the 20-year-old scored 9-points, and shot the ball with just a 16-percent success rate. That does not even mention his three turnovers, no assists and a pair of fouls. From 3-point land Ferguson went 0-for-2.

Maybe it is time to temper expectations for Terrance Ferguson.

B+. . G. Oklahoma City Thunder. P.J. DOZIER

P.J. Dozier has been impressive this Summer League, and in a dreadful team game tonight, Dozier still stood out. No his 8-points will not turn heads, but the rest of his stat-sheet will. On defense, Dozier made a huge impact stealing the ball 3-times, and getting up for a block.

He set up his teammates well, turning in 4-assists. While that assist number may not seem high on paper, you have to know the context. Dozier is splitting ball handling duties with Terrance Ferguson, and Daniel Hamilton.

A+. . F. Oklahoma City Thunder. RASHAWN THOMAS

Like I have droned on about in every other game recap, Thomas stole the show. The Oklahoma City native, with his magnificent fro with every hair in place standing above his white headband, was great.

He was the second leading scorer with 13-points, while also hauling in 7-rebounds. On defense, Thomas earned a steal and continued his summer league block party.

It will be hard for Thunder GM Sam Presti not to hand Thomas at least the second two-way contract. Once Thomas steps on the floor of Chesapeake energy arena, he will be a fan favorite.

Thomas has been the most constant player on the Summer Thunder roster.

Oklahoma City Thunder. MICHAEL COBBINS. C. . c

The Oklahoma State alumni got the start ahead of Dakari Johnson tonight. He performed about like Poke fans would expect. Cobbins poured in ten points, on 100-percent scoring from the field. Other than that, his stat-line featured goose eggs, aside from a turnover. Cobbins is a Summer League throw away, a local player with no real NBA shot–at least in Oklahoma City.

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