Player Grades: OKC Thunder third quarter malaise leads to Pelicans victory in final pre-break game
Best Opponent:
A. . PG. New Orleans Pelicans. JRUE HOLIDAY
This award could just as easily go to Julius Randle who registered a double-double of 33 points and 11 rebounds (plus 6 assists, a steal, and a block). However, given Jrue Holiday had the “A” crew defending him he gets the nod over Randle.
Every time I witness Holiday play you recognize just how talented and underrated he is. His game is smooth like that of Paul George. And, he is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA which is augmented by his size.
On the night Holiday produced an impressive stat line of 32 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
Final Thoughts
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
Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Hamidou Diallo head to Charlotte, North Carolina to participate in All-Star weekend activities while the remainder of the roster will take some time for rest and relaxation. Something every member of the National Basketball Association is thirsting for at this point in the season.
After feasting in the month of January and half of February on the perimeter the OKC Thunder failed to deliver. This of course was highlighted by PG and Russ going 7 for 29 (24 percent) while the rest of the team went 6 for 15 ( a more reasonable 40 percent).
A couple of “effort” results — the OKC Thunder got outrebounded (56-48) allowed 19 points off 13 turnovers and allowed the Pelicans to score 70 points in the paint. Granted the Thunder scored 72 points in the paint and outdueled the Pels 22-15 in fast break points. Still, a more focused third quarter was the difference in losing the match.
Although Westbrook took a few too many perimeter shots for any of our liking his shot looked much improved in this match. And, as a Thunder fan, we have to pinch ourselves to know this superstar who gives 100 percent every single game is ours. Rarely in the NBA do players show up nightly anymore and Russ stands alone in that regard (at least in terms of star players).
The OKC Thunder won’t be back in action until the All-Star break is complete. That means other than Westbrook, George, and Diallo the squad will be on holiday. Next week no doubt Billy Donovan will get some practice time in with the team as they prepare for their next match on Friday, February 22nd when the Thunder will host the Utah Jazz in yet another critical Northwest Division contest. For a full box score of tonight’s contest, click this link.
Next. Buyout series part 2 – Wilson Chandler is the perfect wing. dark
As the team heads into the All-Star break be sure to check out Thunderous Intentions as the team covers the weekend festivities and gets Thunder Nation prepared for the final 25 games of the 2018-19 season.