OKC Thunder player grades – start east road trip with oust of Detroit

With the prospect of Blake Griffin to keep in check while the Big Kiwi would need to address Andre Drummond it was Jerami Grant who hit the hardwood on a mission. His two-way game was on full display particularly as he forced the Pistons front court to stop him offensively.

I would’ve liked a few more rebounds, but his effort was strong and of the starters (other than our next guy) his early scoring was highly effective and put the Pistons in scramble mode. Without his production Dwane Casey would likely have looked at putting double pressure on Adams, but because Grant was a factor Detroit couldn’t afford to leave him alone.

His stat line finished with 15 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block and a team high +25. He was highly efficient though shooting 5 of 6 from the field, 2 of 3 from the perimeter and 3 of 4 from the charity stripe.  The only thing I’d add to Grant, is I’d like to see him more active offensively consistently through 48 minutes (or rather his time on the court). But, his defensive effort combined with the early offense warrants his high grade.