Box scores seldom tell the full story as is the case for Kevin Hervey’s OKC Thunder varsity debut. Film evidence paints a more optimistic picture on the impressive asset.
According to the numbers, Kevin Hervey has not had a successful start to his career with the OKC Thunder. In his first two games, Hervey averaged 1.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. He has missed all four of his shots, three of them from deep.
However, Hervey had a massive impact on the Thunder the night where he played seven minutes against last seasons champions, the Toronto Raptors. He did this through the energy he provided when he got on the court.
OKC was short handed again, playing their third game is four nights, the last two games on the road. Dennis Schroder was out due to his ankle, along with Danilo Gallinari as well as the usual Hamidou Diallo and Andre Roberson.
When Hervey took to the court, instead of Mike Muscala, he showed no hesitation taking the open 3-point shots he was allowed. His two defensive rebounds were big, but nothing compares to the assist he threw to Luguentz Dort.
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1211431940534030337?s=20
This is another one of the benefits of having both two-way players on the court at the same time.
These two have both been really solid together for the OKC Thunder affiliate the OKC Blue as starters.
More from Thunder News
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Look at the quality and surety of the pass to Dort, there is a chemistry there which is going to benefit Hervey moving forward if the Thunder need him.
The Thunder were in a desperate situation with those players all out against the Raptors. In the next game against Dallas Mavericks,OKC had all their players back with the exception of Roberson.
There is a good chance we will not see Hervey in an OKC Thunder uniform for a while, he will be back with the Blue.
It was good to see Hervey make his debut and then make an impact for the team in the next game.
Ultimately, the future is strong with the likes of Dort and Kevin Hervey developing.