OKC Thunder finish 2018 on high note – 3 key takeaways
Jerami Grant offensive growth:
The path of Jerami Grant into the starting rotation is one which fate has played a big role in.
Grant’s ascent began with the failed Carmelo Anthony experiment. Anthony wasn’t able to produce offensively in his role or fit within the OKC system. Moreover, having him on the court allowed opponents to attack him given his sub par defense. Since Patterson wasn’t playing up to his potential Grant’s minutes progressively increased often with him on the floor for key fourth quarter and clutch time minutes.
Cut to this season and the natural assumption was Patrick Patterson would take the starting role. To be fair, Patterson signed as a free agent under this premise and he arrived in the best physical condition to start a season in several years.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Expectations were Grant would assume a primary role similar to last year with the reserves and likely play clutch time minutes. But, when Patterson struggled out of the gate and Grant showcased an improved perimeter shot the shift to start Grant was a no brainer.
The resulting effect has paid dividends and with Westbrook looking like he’s figured out where he’ll excel the logical next step should be to expand Grant’s usage.
The win over the Mavericks was a perfect example of all the ways Grant can score whether it be in the fast break, cuts and drives to the paint or from the perimeter given his ever improving 3-point shot.
The takeaway from Monday is Billy Donovan needs to incorporate more plays for Grant and work with him on his ball handling. By making these tweaks now it will allow time for the starters to gain comfort and cohesion.
In the playoffs, teams will focus on Westbrook and Geroge. The key for OKC could lie in spreading the offense around to utilize Grant and Adams more and be less predictable.
Next. 50 Fun and surprising Thunder facts. dark
Next up the Thunder will face the Lakers. Let’s see if OKC can replicate their effort from this win to start the New Year off on a positive note.