Player Grades: OKC Thunder bounce back, send Clippers to third straight defeat with a 110-104 win

OKC Thunder Best Reserve:

Hamidou Diallo brought what has been missing from OKC’s second unit – energy and effort. The 20 year-old hustled his way to 10 points and one block in 11 minutes of play going 4-5 from the field and 2-2 from the line. With TFerg in foul trouble early, Donovan split minutes between Diallo and Alex Abrines with the rookie making the most of his minutes.

Hami may have been a second round pick but he has quickly established himself in the rotation. Exciting times are ahead for the young guard.

Best Opponent:

There’s something about playing OKC that makes the Italian big man go off and tonight was no exception. In three games against Oklahoma City, Gallo is averaging 27 points and five rebounds on 57.4 percent shooting and a sizzling 73.3 percent from three.

If these two teams meet in the playoffs, someone better bring a bucket of water to cool the Italian off. While his these numbers are unlikely to hold true in a seven game series, Gallo has done a superb job torching the Thunder through three contests.

Final Thoughts

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Oklahoma City move to 3-1 on back to back games and needed this win just to steady the ship after tough losses on the road. While the Thunder will be disappointed with how close the game got down the stretch, its more testament to the resilience of the Clippers franchise. OKC need to take this win and build some momentum, continuing to prove to pundits this team is a legitimate contender.

OKC have two days rest before receiving an opportunity exact revenge on a Chicago Bulls team who beat them in their most recent meeting.

For the full box score visit ESPN. Check back tomorrow for analysis on the game via three takeaways.