OKC Thunder reserve guard Dennis Schroder was named the Western Conference NBA player of week nine action.
The association announced the NBA Players for week nine with OKC Thunder reserve point guard Dennis Schroder getting the tap for the Western Conference and Kyle Lowry taking the honors in the East.
There were some similarities in that both the OKC Thunder and Toronto Raptors experienced unbeaten 4-0 weeks and each club made history with major come from behind victories.
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In truth, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Chris Paul could probably have also won this honor given how well the trio of guards played in week nine. Of the four OKC Thunder victories, three required come from behind efforts to erase 26, 24 and 18 point deficits and in each case one of the three guards led the way.
As Thunderous Intentions highlighted in a current article the three point guard lineup is paying dividends and a big part of the clutch time minutes.
In week nine Billy Donovan ran the trio with Steven Adams and Danilo Gallinari a lot during clutch time and that iteration of five leads the team in net differential.
Looking back at the week the OKC Thunder played the Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers.
Schroder’s best effort (scoring-wise) came versus the Grizzlies in the 26 point comeback with the German dropping 31 points which tied his highest point total of the season.
In the four games of week nine, Schroder averaged 25. 5 points, six assists, and 5.25 assists.
This was the first time Schroder has received an individual weekly award.
Schroder’s Eastern Conference counterpart was Kyle Lowry who spearheaded the 30 point come from behind win over the Dallas Mavericks Lowry hit five triples in the final frame and scored 20 points of his 30 in the winning effort.
The Raptor defeated the Cavaliers, Pistons, Wizards, and Mavericks. Lowry averaged 24.5 points, 10 assists 6.5 rebounds.
Lowry has won Player of the Week on five previous occasions and Player of the month on two previous occasions.
It’s a wonderful acknowledgment by the league and encouragement for Schroder specifically who truly has played his best ball of the season this past week.