Playoff P arrives early as OKC Thunder best Rockets in thriller – player grades
Best Opponent:
A-. . SG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN
The box score paints a pretty picture of 39 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists for Most Valuable Player candidate James Harden. And, don’t get me wrong those are impressive numbers. Never mind 12 of those points came via 13 trips to the line including some stellar improv class theatrics from the bearded man. Yet, notably, 26 of his points came in the first half of the game.
But it has to be said, I can’t rationalize calling Harden the MVP when he can’t take over a game when it matters. Aside from some egregious calls which got him free throw attempts, again Harden did not score a single field goal in the fourth quarter and then he missed the final free throw which allowed Paul George’s three to give the Thunder the one point win.
Is he a superstar? Absolutely! But give me Westbrook and George over Harden and Paul every game, every series!
No surprise, but Billy Donovan says the Thunder will play everybody tomorrow. “We’re gonna try to get the best seed possible.”
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) April 10, 2019
Final Thoughts
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Like many wins, the OKC Thunder are better when their shot is falling as it was on this night. From the perimeter, OKC shot 39 percent although I’m not sure taking 41 attempts from the great beyond is a recipe for sustained success.
Likewise, the 80 percent effort from the charity stripe is a positive sign.
Limiting the teams turnovers to 12 was stellar and something the Thunder should look to emulate moving forward.
Let’s be clear -this win while amazing was not all puppy dogs and flowers. James Harden still got a wide open look to win the game and that simply can’t happen.
The OKC Thunder are right back in action to close out the season in Milwaukee on Wednesday. A win by the Thunder will cement them in the sixth seed.
To that end, the seeds are still up in the air as to where the Thunder will finish (sixth, seventh or eighth) and who their opponent will be.
If the Thunder win at the short-handed (I know what you’re thinking) Bucks tomorrow, they’re the 6 seed. Lose and they can still be 6, 7 or 8.
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) April 10, 2019
Tune in tomorrow to see where the dust settles and who the Thunder will play in the first round. For a full box score of tonight’s contest, click this link.
Half-court offense more sophisticated than initial glance. dark. Next
Per usual the Thunderous Intentions team will have you covered with the pregame preview, in game twitter action, postgame grades and all sorts of fun from our team of talented writers. Thunder Up!