Player Grades
Dennis Schroder got the start in place of Russell Westbrook tonight. Schroder was locked in defensively tonight, which is an aspect of his game he has been working to improve this year. He took a pair of charges and grabbed seven defensive rebounds to add to his one steal and one block in this contest.
Entering the fourth quarter offensively, Schroder had 21 points before totaling a season-high, 27-points in this contest. Dennis went head-to-head with rookie Colin Sexton all night, at times even full court pressed the rookie. It was fun watching the two point guards go at it. Schroder did not record an assist in this game, which is really the only flaw in his game you can point to tonight.
The OKC Thunder needed all 33-minutes from Dennis Schroder in Russell Westbrooks’ absence. The alternative, Raymond Felton, was just dreadful tonight. The 13-year veteran was a dreadful 2-for-6 from the floor jacking up terrible shots without even looking to pass the ball.
Terrance Ferguson had another blah day. He was fundamentally sound on defense, staying in front, giving effort, and contesting shots, but nothing too impactful. Offensively he really only had one stand out play, a drive into the lane and having the body control going against two Cavs players to get to the line.
In 21 minutes, Ferguson scored four points, with a rebound and two assists to complete his stat line. Ferguson went 0-for-1 from three, and 1-for-3 from the field.
With Russell Westbrook missing yet another game during the early season campaign Paul George was again thrust into a leadership role. Although he’s often shied away from this position tonight George looked very comfortable.
PG13 stepped up to the plate, and poured in 18-points, shooting 43-percent from the floor and 33-percent from three. While it was not a perfect game from George, it was all OKC needed to sneak past Cleveland. His seven rebounds (six defensive) and two steals played a big part in in the win.
Jerami Grant had another simply solid game. Grant posted 12 points on 44 percent shooting from the floor. More importantly, Grant connected on two of his three attempts from the perimeter. Moving forward if Grant can consistently be a perimeter threat the floor spacing he affords the starters is a major benefit.
Grant blocked a shot and grabbed eight rebounds (seven defensive) and added a steal. The move to the starting lineup has proven to be a smart one by Billy Donovan, and it has paid off for both Grant and the starting unit as a whole.
Sadly, it has to be said again: although Adams will always give ultimate effort and hustle, he just does not look right. A few times the big kiwi fell to the floor and was slow and shaky when getting himself up off the mat. There were also times this evening where Adams was frustrated with the officiating, not something Thunder fans are used to witnessing from him.
Of course, Adams was incredible with Schroder in the two-man game through the contest, allowing Schroder to gain open looks. Adams finished with nine points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Given Adams isn’t at 100 percent health, the fact he still grabbed 13 boards is encouraging. With several sub .500 teams on tap, here’s hoping Billy Donovan finds a way to rest him either a full game or limit his minutes.