Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder win in San Antonio for first time since 2014 – grades

By Tamberlyn Richardson

JANUARY 2: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder flies past Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs during second half . (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
JANUARY 2: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder flies past Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs during second half . (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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JANUARY 2: Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder chats with DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs before the start of their game. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

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

Another typical effort from Chris Paul who led his charges and kept things calm even when the Spurs built a 14 point lead.

His fourth quarter stands out when he scored 10 of his 16 points, but to ignore the way he managed the game would be taking away from his most valuable contribution to the match and all the Thunder efforts in truth.

In addition to his 16 points, Mr. Clutch added five assists, grabbed eight rebounds and two steals. He shot a highly efficient 8 of 14 and had a single turnover.

At once point in the match, he and DeMar DeRozan both hustled to grab a rebound and knocked heads. CP3 got the ball, led the offensive set and was still the first player back up court to help DeRozan to his feet and share a word between the two vets. CLASS!

I don’t typically give out more than one A+ but in the case of the starting backcourt, one took over to erase the deficit and the other ensured the victory in the clutch. Would one be as successful without the other? Hard to say —- and fortunately we don’t have to find out (at least not yet).

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

In the first meeting between the Spurs and Thunder the matchup between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dejounte Murray offered an interesting strategic battle. Although SGA scored 21 points in that contest there was never a point where you felt his presence was changing the outcome.

This game was completely different as Shai took over in the third quarter to pull the Thunder within two points. The growth of his game since that early November match was obvious. Murray is a talent but the difference between the two lanky guards is SGA affects both sides of the floor while the Spurs guard’s offense is still a work in progress.

SGA was highly efficient in collecting his 25 points shooting over 50 percent from the field (10 of 18), 50 percent from the perimeter (2 of 4)  and hit 3 of his 4 free throws. In addition, he filled up the stat sheet with seven rebounds, five assists a steal and two blocks. All this and his defense was on point limiting his covers and changing numerous shots with his length.

All in all, it was one of his best overall performances this season.

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