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OKC Thunder use defense to dismantle the Jazz in Utah – player grades

By Sinjin Snope

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 9: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 9, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 9: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 9, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 9 (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

A+. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. CHRIS PAUL

Awesome performance from Chris Paul tonight. He was the steady captain the OKC Thunder needed on the second night of a B2B, and he was sensational in all phases tonight. CP3 scored 16 points, dished 7 assists and also added on 3 steals. His fake out of Rudy Gobert in the 4th quarter was something to behold. Great night for Paul and the Thunder.

A-. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER

SGA was great tonight although I felt like he forced too many shots. Shai did score 20 points as well as grab 6 boards, but he could have easily had more points this evening. He was aggressive throughout and took some shots he did not really need to take. Tonight is another one of those nights that get you excited about this kid’s future though as he made some jaw-dropping plays once again.

B. . SF. Oklahoma City Thunder. ABDEL NADER

Solid effort from Abdel Nader starting in the place of Terrance Ferguson once again. Nader scored 10 points and hit two 3-pointers. He made numerous nice offensive plays and was solid enough on defense. Having him improve is a nice bonus to an inexperienced group of OKC Thunder reserves.

C. . SF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DARIUS BAZLEY

Darius Bazley earned the start in Danilo Gallinari‘s absence and played just okay tonight. The rookie scored just 2 points but did snag 7 rebounds as he never really got into the flow of the offense. His defense remains sound and he has improved every game. That’s all you can ask for out of someone as young as Bazley.

A. . C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS

Great game from the big Kiwi tonight. Steven Adams finally played well against Rudy Gobert and the Jazz defense. His opening night 1-8 performance is now an afterthought as he scored 11 points and added 13 rebounds tonight. His ability to box out and set screens are so underrated for this team, and games like tonight remind you how good Steve can really be.

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