Coaches challenge costs OKC Thunder in loss to Clippers – player grades
. G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. TERRANCE FERGUSON. B+
Although Paul George made his first three shot attempts to give the Clippers the early edge Terrance Ferguson did a much better defensive job on his former teammate limiting him to two points through the rest of the quarter.
Overall, credit has to be given to TFerg for his defense on George albeit the Thunder often double-teamed him to great effect.
With the big defensive assignment, he wasn’t overly active offensively taking only two shot attempts in the first half and missing both. He was more aggressive in the second half finishing with five points, seven rebounds and two steals.
His grade is more reflective of his defensive efforts however.
Oklahoma City Thunder. DANILO GALLINARI. B-. . PF
Clearly Doc Rivers knows Danilo Gallinari well and the defense was geared toward stopping his attempts although the Italian used his savvy to get to the line and take what the defense gave him.
His 3-point shot was off (WAY OFF) early shooting 1 or 8 in the first half alone. An oddity in the box score shows Gallo took eight 3-pointers in total but he took one a successful 3-pointer in the second half so they either switched one of his attempts to a two from the first half or got the numbers wrong.
In the end, he registered 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists and came one coach’s challenge shy of putting the game on ice for the Thunder.
Like Shai, it’s understandable this game meant a bit more to Gallo and again, his final 3-point shot and almost trip to the free throw line at game end came close to making him the hero of the night.
A. . C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS
I was surprised Billy Donovan didn’t play Steven Adams more on Montrezl Harrell given his size and defensive ability.
Overall it was a solid showing by Adams who filled up the stat sheet with nine points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
For Adams to get six assists it points to his ability to handle the ball. That said, he still struggles to score on those gimme bunnies at the rim and needs to work on his finishes but overall a stellar performance from the Big Kiwi.
If anything Billy Donovan gets the downgrade here for not putting Adams on Harrell more to wear him down. In fact, I’m not sure why BillyD didn’t switch things up to put Noel on Zubac and Adams on Harrell for the entirety of the game.