The OKC Thunder rolled out a starting lineup that everyone could predict in spite of thoughts Westbrook might start and Ferguson’s recent concussion may affect the rotation. In the end it did not and Billy D used the same starters as he did predominantly in preseason.
The Starters
Dennis Schröder poured in 21 points on 36 percent shooting, and dished out six assists while grabbing a career high nine rebounds. From the free throw line Schröder impressed going five for six which is an area where the Thunder struggled a year ago. Being thrust into a starting role against the Warriors is hard to do, and Dennis Schröder stood up to the test.
Terrance Ferguson played solid enough defensively. He never really got embarrassed on that end of the floor, and also was not very impactful. Offensively, it was almost as if the second year guard was playing scared.
Ferguson attempted a pair of shots, both threes and missed both. Rookie Hamidou Diallo was already getting a ton of fanfare coming into this contest, and after a solid night from Diallo and a less than impressive showing from Ferguson do not be surprised if the water cooler conversation finds fans calling for Diallo to start.
Paul George was truly terrible in the first half. He made up for it in the second half by scoring the majority of his 27 points. Additionally, his 5 assists and four steals capped his statline.
George did commit five turnovers. The spacing just was not there for George without Russell Westbrook on the floor. PG13 shot 33 percent from three point land, and 39 percent from the floor.
After a great training camp and some solid preseason games, Patterson came out and laid an egg in the season opener. The new look Patrick Patterson had the same result.
Starting at power forward he scored just seven points on two for nine shooting (one for four beyond the arc) He added five rebounds a block and a steal, but a lackluster night from the Thunder big man.
Steven Adams, like Paul George started out of rhythm. Something was off, and it was likely tied to back stiffness which caused him to be a late game time decision. His finishing stat-line does not tell the whole story.
Adams posted a very respectable 17 points, 11 rebounds 4 assists and a pair of steals. While that is a good stat line, Adams left some opportunities on the floor. Still, this is a very encouraging sign given how much better Adams can be when he is 100 percent.