OKC Thunder 119-104 win vs. Mavericks: Player grades reflect exciting first impressions
OKC Thunder tipped off the preseason with a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks which included some exciting first impressions by the home team.
The first preseason match of the 2019-20 season for the OKC Thunder introduced a bunch of new faces to fans and also delivered the “W”. Tulsa’s BOK Center was the host venue between the Thunder and visiting Mavericks.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great litmus test because neither of “the Dallas wunderkids” was in the lineup. In an oddity, Dallas plays a back-to-back set and three games in four nights to launch their preseason. Given most NBA clubs play three to five games over a two-week period this is a true scheduling guffaw.
104. 79. 119. 149. Final
Coming into the match Rick Carlisle held his cards close to his chest not releasing a confirmed lineup. Fans (and the T.I. writing team) were very hopeful OKC would be the first to get a glimpse of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis together on an opponent’s court. Since Dallas plays the Pistons tomorrow the thinking was perhaps one of the two stars would sit, but in the end, they both sat. In fairness, the Thunder plays in Dallas next Monday so hopefully, everyone will suit up for that match.
It’s important to remember this is preseason and as such it provides the training ground to test rotations, chemistry, work through new systems and isolate end of bench players who could earn a solid rotational spot or increased playing time.
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1181724494936756224
Stats for veterans Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams aren’t going to jump off the page. Although the grades will reflect this, it’s not meant as a slight. Rather, it’s more of a reflection of the actual game and performances.
Despite the absence of stars, there were still more than enough eye treats to go around. With that, T.I. grades the starters top reserve and best opponent. And, we note some standout moments or takeaways for Billy Donovan and the roster to build upon.