Player Grades
Dennis Schroder, filled in for Russell Westbrook who was out again tonight, but looks on track to play Sunday. To say the OKC Thunder are thankful Westbrook is due back is an understatement. Schroder shot 13 percent from the floor. Starting however, is nothing new for Schroder, he has started 162 games in his career before this one.
So, this bad play can not be chalked up to inexperience. The veteran turned in just eight points in tonight’s contest. He was truly terrible tonight. It will be interesting to watch Schroder Sunday, and beyond when Russell Westbrook returns. The question becomes not only how he elevates the second unit, but how he plays with Russell Westbrook.
Terrance Ferguson looked much more confident tonight. On Tuesday Night, the second year guard looked legitimately scared to get near the basketball. He did play solid defense on Tuesday and that trend continued tonight. Terrance Ferguson also threw up five shots all of which from three. He finished with 4 points.
Paul George again, started this game extremely slow. In the first quarter, George had just two points on 1-of-9 shooting and three rebounds. He finished the first half with four points, on two for 11 shooting. In the second half, George’s struggles continued. Paul George also got into foul trouble getting dinged for his fifth foul with over three minutes to go in the fourth really hampered his defensive abilities. PG eventually fouled out of tonight’s tilt.
George finished with 20 points on 25 percent from the floor and 27 percent from three. The small forward also collected eight rebounds and a pair of steals.
Patrick Patterson had his second lackluster game of the season. Patterson played just nine first half minutes, as Jerami Grant was called on early and often tonight. Patterson’s starting job may be in jeopardy if he does not turn things around. Patterson was a minus nine while Jerami Grant was a minus five for the game. Grant however, greatly outplayed Patterson tonight and that Power Forward spot might be back up from grabs.
Steven Adams, who is still dealing with lower back stiffness looked more fluid and comfortable on Friday Night, but still did not look 100 percent against the Clippers. The Thunder big man posted 17 points with 18 rebounds. And on defense the Big Kiwi was very active and his rotations, as always, were on point. Adams also had a beautiful slam on the 7’3 center Boban Marjonvic.