OKC Thunder 119-104 win vs. Mavericks: Player grades reflect exciting first impressions

Something immediately noticeable about the sophomore and the rookie is both possess a similar calm and intelligence beyond their years.  Although years of development and growth lie ahead the potential destination each can reach is exciting.

The obvious distinction is how one professional season honed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the experience is palpable. Almost as if he decided to flip a switch there were times in the game where he simply took over. Other than energy plays like diving for loose balls everything he does has an associated smoothness and ease.

After digging in to grab the loose ball to get the Thunder a second-chance scoring opportunity it was apropos the ball found it’s way back to the guard’s waiting hands. And as soon as he lofted the ball there was that knowing feeling of ‘that’s going in”. I haven’t figured out if that feeling stems from the Canadian’s own confidence which exudes from him or his calmness is already rubbing off on us, but it’s there and again that’s exciting.

I’ve kept the game on PVR to watch again because I want to isolate on specific players and in particular SGA. Suffice to say this kid is special and the GM hype around him is well deserved.

He was the best player on the hardwood in the victory. His shooting splits featured 24 points via an economical 7 of 12 field goals, 50 percent from deep (4 of 8) and he draws fouls (6 of 7).  His length equates to solid rebounding (4 total with 2 on the offensive glass) along with a block. While he only had a single assist he initiated much of the offense either via hockey assists or directing the players which way to send the ball. And he did all this in just 26 minutes.