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OKC Thunder former members play key role in loss to Pacers – Player grades

By Tamberlyn Richardson

DECEMBER 4: The Indiana Pacers huddle up during the game against the OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
DECEMBER 4: The Indiana Pacers huddle up during the game against the OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder dunks the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 4, 2019 (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder. TERRANCE FERGUSON. B-. . G/F

While Terrance Ferguson had his moments…

… at times he struggled and in fairness that’s not all on him. Indiana is a club that plays “TEAM” ball evidenced by the seven Pacers who reached double-figure scoring. So for Ferguson to be successful, he would’ve had to either have a breakthrough offensive performance or showcase lockdown defense not just on players like Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, and TJ Warren but also remove their passing lanes.

On the night he registered eight points, three rebounds, two assists and hit two of his six 3-point attempts. The grade is reflective more of the team failure to clog the passing lanes or shut down at least one of the above trio.

A-. . PF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DANILO GALLINARI

Another night of efficient shooting from Gallo where he put on a display at one point in the game that demonstrated just how quickly Danilo Gallinari can take over a game (and why contending teams will salivate over his addition to their team).

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1202415578004312064

Gallo shot 7 of 13 from the field and 4 of 6 from the perimeter to net 18 points and added seven rebounds, with two assists. Something of note is his comfort level with a healthy Steven Adams and bouncy Nerlens Noel is growing each time they hit the hardwood.

His grade takes a minor hit for his inability to score in the clutch although he did pull down two big rebounds.

. C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS. A+

No one is happier than the narrator to witness the Big Kiwi performing at a high level again. Some fans noted my lower grading of him recently (and trust me I took no pleasure in giving him a low grade).

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1202421419415670787

But at the time he wasn’t doing enough to reflect the salary he makes and that was predicated likely by him playing hurt.  For all the body jarring screens he was still setting there were copious examples of players leaving him in the dust on drive bys and other lesser talents stealing boards from him.

Now that he appears fully healthy that isn’t happening. And for those who’ll point to Domantas Sabonis’ output, it’s noteworthy he has scored more in 13 of his 19 games and had more rebounds in half of those outings. Besides, this isn’t all on Adams as Gallo, Noel, and others needed to help on Sabonis. His other cover (Myles Turner) was held to 12 points and four rebounds.

On this night Adams had a team-high 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks and was a perfect four of four from the line.

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