OKC Thunder pull off OT thriller over Nets – player grades
. G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. TERRANCE FERGUSON. B
Another typical night from TFerg where his defense was key in locking down the opposing talent. As we’ve noted this season in games where Terrance Ferguson isn’t strapped too much defensively he gets more shot attempts up.
That was the case in this outing where he took eight shots (almost double his season average) to score seven points plus an assist and block. His perimeter shot wasn’t falling (1 or 4) but he smartly mixed up his shots showing some variety and scoring seven points in total on 3 of 7 from the field.
Oklahoma City Thunder. DARIUS BAZLEY. B. . F
Subbing in for Danilo Gallinari who was resting due to a sore calf the rookie Darius Bazley got the start and did a solid job.
His offense never seems forced and as TI has noted previously his natural abilities demonstrate why his ceiling seems untapped. The youngster scored eight points connecting on two 3-pointers. Bazley has one of the sweetest deep shots on the team and it’s conceivable he’ll grow into another 3 and D talent for the future core.
He added four rebounds and a block and while his defense is still a work in progress he shows the ability to learn from his mistakes and apply the lessons with each new game. If he meets these goals depending on what Sam Presti does with Gallinari and Paul in the future the prospect of having SGA, TFerg and him all capable of defending and hitting perimeter shots is exciting.
Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS. A. . C
The stretch of games Steven Adams has delivered recently is among the very best on the team. Unlike the last game in Philly when his A+ effort resulted in a loss, in this match his efforts helped to garner the victory.
On the night the big man posted yet another double-double of 10 points and a massive 18 rebounds including four on the offensive glass. Facing the likes of the rising talent Jarrett Allen (who absolutely embarrassed Mike Muscala) and DeAndre Jordan, Adams was by far the best center on the floor.
He chipped in three assists and two steals and gave more credence to the argument he should get more touches either for scoring efforts or to initiate the offense from the elbow.