OKC Thunder win ugly in OT vs. Hornets – player grades

In the first half between SGA and Terrance Ferguson, they locked down the Hornets backcourt as neither Graham or Rozier seemed to be able to find their footing. Although that changed in the second half (and let’s be honest a lot of the Hornets’ shots are heat check, Hail Mary attempts that seriously look like they have no business falling in the net).

His defense and five rebounds were the extents of his offerings since he only took three shots and missed all three.

It’s hard to complain particularly with how successful he was early but against the top teams, you have to think he’ll need to be a bit more involved in the offense.

Donovan intermittently moved him off Graham onto Rozier but once Scary Terry got hot it was too late. (Notably – Graham shot 6 for 21 while Rozier was 10 of 18 with the majority of his damage occurring in the third quarter).

Like Ferguson Bazley produced the bagel on offense. His length caused some fits for the Hornets as he was able to get deflections and alter shots especially early.

Another night where we were able to see the potential. His zero points were somewhat misleading since some of his shots were halfway down into the net but popped back out. He’s still a colt learning to run with the stallions so patience is key and you have to love the fact he doesn’t shy away from the moment.

Much like Gilgeous-Alexander, there is an ease with which the rookie plays the game that seems unreasonable for someone so young and with those go-go gadget long arms it’s funny he’s so graceful. But like SGA there is an elegance to much of his play.

As he adds muscle and gains experience there is a feeling Bazley could be a true talent. It will be exciting to experience that growth first hand.

Overall he missed all seven shot opportunities but added six rebounds, an assist, and a steal.

Steven Adams is sublime!

Seriously, there is a reason Cody Zeller fouled out, Bismack Biyombo picked up five fouls and virtually every Hornets player was leery of going into the paint.

The Hornets announcers mentioned how Washington was in over his head facing Adams due to the size differential and strength.

Graham was dealing with the length of SGA and TFerg but attempting to drive offered him no relief as his diminutive size was dealt with easily by Adams.

If you’re like the narrator you were laughing at the fact Adams was the guy hitting two crucial free throws in overtime on a night when the team missed 12 and shot 61.3 percent from the stripe.

He was a presence in all aspects of the game and his improved passing from the elbow is palpable. Even trying to put his 14 points 12 rebounds (four offensive boards), three assists, two steals and two block performance into perspective won’t do him justice because his effort felt much bigger than his stat line reads.