OKC Thunder learn valuable lessons after 107-70 pummeling by Mavericks
Glimpses to build on:
Although it was a game most of the players will want to forget the lessons learned from the loss will be vital to improving the team.
Among the key takeaways were a trio of youngsters who did do something to garner them more minutes.
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In a separate article this morning I dive more into Deonte Burton but let’s just say he was arguably the only youngster who remembered the offensive concept this season is ball and player movement. To that end, this game was a throwback to the last few seasons where players stood in place and got caught ball watching. Burton was one (if not the only one) who kept cutting and passing to open men.
Justin Patton is still very raw but there were hints tonight of how he could become an important contributor for the club. Defensively Patton was one of the lone bright spots snagging seven steals, three blocks, five rebounds as well as two points. With the right development and attention, he could become a quality contributor off the bench. Given his passing ability and range, he’s definitely worth the investment.
Once again the rookie Darius Bazley showed hints of what is to come. It wasn’t a breakthrough performance, in fact, he shot abysmally from the field. However, on a night where TFerg and Diallo failed to live up to their potential Bazley was the more impressive wing.
He played the fewest minutes of the trio and despite his off shooting night didn’t allow it to affect his efforts in other areas. Bazley pulled down five rebounds, had an assist (on a night when they were in short supply), added a steal and was one of the few players to nail a triple. Although his free throw shooting was abhorrent (1 of 4) the bigger picture here is that he got to the stripe.
Next. How can the OKC Thunder take advantage of the trade market?. dark
Ultimately the OKC Thunder will have to lick their wounds and recognize it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Taking the lessons learned and using them to improve prior to October 23rd should be the team focus in the next eight days. Click the link for the full ESPN box score.
What did you think of the match? Did any player(s) stand out and what things did you notice the team can build upon? Let us know in the comments section.