Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder affiliate the OKC Blue slip down the standings

By Matthew Hallett

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Deonte Burton #30 of the Oklahoma City Blue drives to the basket against the Long Island Nets during the NBA G League Winter Showcase at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 22, 2018. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Deonte Burton #30 of the Oklahoma City Blue drives to the basket against the Long Island Nets during the NBA G League Winter Showcase at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 22, 2018. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
OKC Blue
(Photo by Brandon Dill/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Versus the Memphis Hustle.

In this top of the table clash the OKC Blue led from start to almost finish. The Memphis Hustle led twice in the game, for a total of 53 seconds of game time. Unfortunately, they led at the right time of the game. This was a heartbreaking loss for the Blue but one which they will take many lessons from.

The Blue jumped out in the first quarter, leading the Hustle 13-2. This was another fast start for the team from Oklahoma. They would extend this lead to end the first quarter up by 14 points, 33-19.

However, when you are playing against the top-ranked team in the league, they will come back at you. The Hustle played really well in the second period, including a 21-5 run which had the Blue only leading 52-46 at the half.

The third quarter was a tight affair, the two teams justifying their ladder positions at the time. The Blue would win the quarter by a point 33-32 which had them up 85-78.

Then came the heartbreaking fourth period.

The Hustle would finish the game the stronger of the two teams. They scored 35 in the last quarter, including seven points in the final 1:17 to beat the Blue 113-111.

Myke Henry was again huge with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Justin Patton had his best offensive game with the Blue, scoring 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Abdul Gaddy was a play-making maestro dishing out a season-high 14 assists. Lugentz Dort struggled all game only scoring nine points on 4-of-13 shooting.

The player of the game was DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell who again injected a 20 plus point game from the bench. He would score 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting. However, the story of the game is probably Devon Hall who only scored nine points on 3-of-8 shooting. Hall has been disappointing in his time with the Blue.

Home/Thunder News