Player grades: OKC Thunder drop Jazz via aggressive, motivated effort
C. Oklahoma City Thunder. NERLENS NOEL. B+.
Best Reserve:
Mid-game, in discussion with Lawrence George I was considering crediting the entire bench mob. Then the 14-3 run occurred requiring Westbrook re-entering the contest. At that stage Dennis Schroder was the logical selection (and still might be). However, when Schroder is quarterbacking that unit he needs to take control and make sure everyone eats. Young players are more likely to remain engaged if they are given offensive touches.
The problem is Schroder falls in love with calling his own number too much. So, Noel gets the nod.
Nerlens Noel’s 5 to 7 foot shot is so smooth it’s no wonder he has no hesitancy taking it. Although, I’m still anxious for further development with Schroder-Noel (or PG, or Russ) because OKC need to capitalize on Noel’s sheer height and also get those lobs up there.
Hat tip to Hamidou Diallo for his aggressive play. There is no residue of the injury or fear of a repeat as he drove without caution and was engaged on both sides of the ball. The future for this Diallo is very bright.