OKC Thunder out duel the Orlando Magic in a defensive struggle – Grades
By Sinjin Snope
CHRIS PAUL. B+. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder
Not an overwhelmingly great game from CP3 tonight, but it was an effective one. The OKC Thunder point guard scored 20 points, dished out 6 assists and even added 3 steals on the night. Paul has noticeably taken a back seat to the younger Thunder players this year, and tonight was more of the same.
A. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
Man, this guy is so fun to watch play basketball. The new face of the Thunder franchise was sensational once again tonight. Shai scored a team-high 24 points, grabbed 3 boards and added 2 assists. His corner three late in the fourth quarter was a huge reason the Thunder were able to come out on top tonight. Fantastic game from the young star once again.
C+. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. TERRANCE FERGUSON
Terrance Ferguson was better tonight than he has been for most of this young season. He only scored 5 points but was a +10 and played tremendous defense on Evan Fournier all night. Not that Fournier is a superstar scorer, but he can fill it up from time to time. I still would like to see Ferg shoot more often, but there is plenty of basketball to be played.
B+. . PF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DANILO GALLINARI
If it weren’t for foul trouble, Danilo Gallinari would have graded out a little higher for his game tonight. He is unquestionably the best shooter on this OKC Thunder team as he showed out again tonight with 16 points and 3 threes. He makes scoring the ball look way too easy.
. C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS. B
The Big Kiwi returned to action tonight after missing the previous two games due to a knee contusion. It wasn’t Adams’ best performance but he finished around the rim well and played solid defense. He still has trouble catching the ball in the post, but I think with time that will improve. Steve-O finished the night with 11 points and 11 rebounds.