OKC Thunder hold off Warriors comeback effort to net the win – player grades
The OKC Thunder got back in the win column with a victory over the injury depleted Golden State Warriors. Player grades offer some insight.
With the roster turnover and stars on the injured list, this wasn’t a typical match between what was once the greatest nemesis of the OKC Thunder.
The prior rivalry was sparked by Kevin Durant‘s exit to join the Dubs and the lasting ire between KD and Russell Westbrook. But with both players now playing for different squads it places Golden State as simply another among the list of Western counterparts.
108. 41. 114. 149. Final
It wasn’t the typical defensive outing the Thunder have presented this season as they allowed the Dubs to clear the 100 point mark. However, with another game on the docket for Sunday, the team may have been careful to keep their energy reserves intact.
As it was the Thunder jumped on the Warriors in the first quarter building a quick nine-point lead via a 36-27 frame.
OKC built upon that lead with another winning quarter of 24-16 in the second quarter to take a 60-43 lead heading into the half.
All seemed well in hand but the Warriors awoke in the third busting out with a 41-24 performance to tie the game. Fortunately, veteran Chris Paul wasn’t about to surrender this game so he calmed his young charges and got the Thunder back on track with another strong quarter (30-24) to finish the game with the 114-108 victory.
.With that, let’s dive into the specifics with the player grades for the match.