OKC Thunder lose preseason opener, yet gain 5 valuable roster insights
OKC Thunder lose first preseason game facing the Detroit Pistons, yet Billy Donovan learns valuable lessons in the process utilizing a short handed squad.
Most of the big name talent for the OKC Thunder were out for the team’s first preseason action. Russell Westbrook is expected to miss the entire preseason, so neither his or Andre Roberson‘s absence was a surprise. However, Paul George was a late scratch from the match with the franchise noting he would miss the game due to personal reasons.
Final. 97. 64. 91. 149
This left Steven Adams as the only core starting unit member available and recent addition Dennis Schroder to pick up the slack. The Pistons kept their cards close to the vest, not saying who would be out for their side prior to game start. It was presumed former OKC Thunder malcontent Reggie Jackson would sit this one out and that proved correct. The surprise was the absence of Blake Griffin who was dressed, but saw no action.
Although the scoreboard displayed a losing result by night’s end there were plenty of positives to take away for Billy Donovan and his coaching staff.
Trio display solid chemistry:
In the first half Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder continued to build upon their chemistry running the pick and roll with such fluidity the Pistons are sure to have nightmares over it. Patrick Patterson also looked equally comfortable, particularly on the defensive end when playing in tandem with Steven Adams.
Despite this being preseason and there being no direct correlation to playing time or lineup pairings there does seem to be one constant. This trio of Dennis Schroder, Patrick Patterson and Steven Adams played the majority of their time together. And, while I might be inclined to say let’s wait and see if Jerami Grant also gets featured with the starters to test his fit, that trio has so effectively meshed it might be unwise to mess with it.
Steven Adams finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds while Dennis Schroder produced a healthy stat line of 21 points 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Schroder’s 21 points were a team high, but they came on an ineffective shooting night of 5 for 16 from the field. The point guard did manage to earn several trips to the free throw line where he was a perfect nine for nine.