OKC Thunder rebound vs shorthanded Blazers – player grades
![JANUARY 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against the OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) JANUARY 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against the OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9f5b22755f28b157cd88acb1305cdd14d7590fa4549859a6911e4b5b0abd7437.jpg)
A. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. CHRIS PAUL
Leadership at it’s finest as Chris Paul took charge right from the tip tonight. Without two key starters, he took a more aggressive role in the scoring production and put up early points to help steer the club into having the upper hand.
CP3 scored 30 points on a highly efficient 11 of 15 from the field along with three of five 3-point shots. He added four rebounds and seven assists and along with Adams posted a team-high plus 20.
Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER. A. . G/F
The noticeable effect Paul is having on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have been best represented in this match as he rode the sidecar to CP3 in leading the team.
The Canadian delivered a steady calm providing what the game gave him putting up another productive game featuring a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. In addition, he dished out five assists. The only downside to his game tonight was his 3-point shot wasn’t falling but he doesn’t force those attempts either which again shows he’s wise beyond his years.