OKC Thunder player grades: Historic night for Steven Adams as OK3 take down Kings
Player Grades
A. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. RUSSELL WESTBROOK
On a night when neither backup was available due to suspension, Russell Westbrook needed to bring his “A” game and play substantial minutes. He did precisely that almost tallying a triple-double in three quarters. To that end, Westbrook produced 19 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and five steals through three quarters. By game end, his 112th career triple-double included 19 points, 11 rebounds, 17 assists along with six steals.
His shooting was better this evening although he still needs to work on the long ball. Westbrook opened the game up with his fast break drives in transition not allowing the Kings defense to get set up. This resulted in points in the paint and free throws for Russ (if only he could make them).
In a bit of a reversal of roles, it seemed like Westbrook was the defensive master and George wore the triple-double hat. To wit, his four steals are what we’ve grown accustomed to PG registering.
B+. . SG. Oklahoma City Thunder. TERRANCE FERGUSON
A stellar showing from the youngster both offensively and defensively. With the starters needing to step up his aggression allowed the Thunder to get out to a solid start.
Four quick points early pointed to his aggressive attitude and while he wasn’t exactly on fire from the field (6-14) his activity kept the Kings defense having to account for him. As for the defense with Buddy Hield looking like he was about to have a career night it was mostly due to Ferguson that he didn’t go completely crazy from behind the arc (although he did connect on 7 of his 14 attempts). On the night Ferguson scored 14 points and added three very helpful rebounds (2 on the offensive glass).
Oklahoma City Thunder. PAUL GEORGE. A. . SF
Without Schroder or Felton available Donovan elected to go with George as the playmaker for the reserves. In fairness, not many reserves actually played with only Alex Abrines, Nerlens Noel and Hamidou Diallo logging any time on the court.
George channeled his best Westbrook impression and at one point it seemed certain there would be two players collecting a triple-double on this evening.
Coupled with his defensive efforts, PG proved why he should be in consideration for MVP and/or Defensive Player of the Year.
He tallied 43 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists in the game coming up just three assists short of the trip-dub. George truly is fitting into the OKC Thunder system and the best part is the duo of PG & Russ seems far more dangerous than KD – Russ every did.
JERAMI GRANT. B. . PF. Oklahoma City Thunder
I’ve mentioned this in previous grades and takeaways. I’d like to see Grant more active on the glass. Then again when you’ve got Adams and Westbrook outrebounding most of their opponents perhaps it’s not that big of a concern.
Overall his offensive contributions were vital. One note however, is recently Grant has one big half but seldom produces through the full 48 minutes. If there is an area from him to improve that would be where he should focus.
C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS. A++.
I wish there was a grade higher than A+ to administer the Big Kiwi who was an absolute beast on the boards tonight. He made history in the first half pulling down FIFTEEN boards and on the game snagged 23 with nine coming on the offensive glass.
The second chance opportunities the Thunder were afforded were thanks in large part to the work Adams did on the offensive glass. Although George, Westbrook and Ferguson each grabbed two offensive boards as well. In addition, he scored 20 points making this the first 20-20 game of his career.