Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder out duel the Orlando Magic in a defensive struggle – Grades

By Sinjin Snope

Chris Paul OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chris Paul OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 14: OKC Thunder 2019 Draft pick Darius Bazley poses (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best OKC Thunder Reserve:

B. . SF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DARIUS BAZLEY

The OKC Thunder rookie gets the nod as best player off the bench tonight for his continued improved play. Bazley was far from perfect, but he finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds. He even hit a big 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to give his team the lead. He is improving rapidly in this short season, and that should excite Thunder fans, as Darius is only 19 years old. Sam Presti might have struck gold once again with this draft selection.

Best Opponent:

B. . PF. Orlando Magic. AL-FAROUQ AMINU

The chief was arguably the most effective Magic player tonight. He finished with 13 points and shot 4-5 from the floor with 5 made free throws. Orlando does not appear to have a lead dog on their team, as they play more of a true team style game. Aminu was the guy I felt played the best for them tonight.

Game Notes

The opening ceremony honoring the families of those who passed away during the bombing in 1995 was one of, if not the most, moving pregames I have witnessed at a singular basketball game. Very cool of the OKC Thunder to give each of the families a personalized jersey honoring their loved ones.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Very impressed with the way Markelle Fultz looked tonight. It’s nice to see a player who has struggled as much as he has turn things around in a new setting.

Darius Bazley needs to clean up his drives to the basket, as he was a little out of control going to the rim tonight. However, the rookie still made numerous plays to keep Thunder fans excited about his future.

  • Hamidou Diallo is a joy to watch on the fast break
  • Mo Bamba did some positive stuff tonight, which was a surprise to me since it seems like the league has already written off the talented 7 footer.

    • For a Tuesday night game against the Magic, I was very impressed with the home crowd tonight for the OKC Thunder. We have the best fans in the NBA, change my mind.

    The Thunder have a very good defensive team

  • Mike Muscala is now 1-19 from three on the season…yikes

    • dark. Next. The official Thunder Big board 1.0

    The OKC Thunder are in action once again on Thursday night as they travel to San Antonio to take on the pesky Spurs. For a full box score of tonight’s game, head over to this link courtesy of ESPN. As always, thanks for reading and be sure to check out all of our exclusive content here at Thunderous Intentions.

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