Game 1: OKC Thunder fails to compete with Portland three-point snipers

Player Grades

His fast-break drives were the difference in his performance tonight. He only attempted two threes in the first half to command 10 points at intermission. He maintained his speedy offense in the second half to end with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Going forward, Russ needs to focus on his fast-break offense, because I didn’t see a single defender that could stop him without sending him to the free-throw line. Refreshingly, he had a perfect performance at the stripe, 8-for-8.

The only thing slightly exciting out of Terrance Ferguson tonight was a bland double-technical between him and C.J. McCollum. He continued to draw rookie fouls while contributing minimally on offense with 3 points and 3 assists.

OKC fans were already weary with Paul George labeled questionable until game time, but he locked in and started Game 1.

A hard foul resulting in a fall on his right shoulder in the first quarter may have made matters worse because Playoff P was nowhere to be found tonight. He had 9 points in the half but finished with a double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds.

During the final minutes of the second quarter, he had three straight possessions blowing three-point attempts. He’s got to know when he’s not feeling right, and make decisions accordingly. he hit his second 3-ball with 2:28 remaining in the third quarter and ended the contest going 4-of-15 from deep.

His health will be key to a series win and should not have been gambling in game one even if he still posted near 30 points tonight. He ended with a completely neutral 0 plus or minus rating. In his post-game conference, George said today was the first time he shot a ball since game 82, it wasn’t pain that held him back but more of a rhythm issue.

Jerami Grant lit up defensively in the second half with three huge blocks and a deflection in the third quarter. He ended the night with four blocks and one steal, but only corralled five rebounds and put up eight points. His stats really aren’t an accurate representation of his energy in the game today.

Steven Adams was the light at the end of the tunnel leading to halftime. He was the only fire on the offensive end leading the team with 13 points (only 3 rebounds). Even though he missed his first three attempts to score, he ended the game with 17 points.

His match-up with Kanter wasn’t as easy as expected, Kanter nearly achieved a double-double in the first quarter (8 points, 8 rebounds). Kanter outrebounded Adams 18-9.