Undermanned OKC Thunder roar back to beat Rockets – player grades

Returning to Houston is always going to hold a bit of angst for Chris Paul given how he ended up leaving the organization. It’s been well documented since he arrived in OKC that CP3 was told by Daryl Morey he would NOT be traded here. And, it’s also public knowledge there were issues between James Harden and CP3.

In hindsight, you have to believe Paul is probably happier he did get traded to OKC as the situation here is allowing him to showcase his skills and put his leadership acumen on display every game.

And while the team pulled off another clutch time comeback it was Paul’s leadership early which stands out. In spite of the Rockets pulling ahead it was Paul who put up 27 first-half points to keep the Thunder close enough to strike later.

If not for his early scoring the Thunder might’ve put up the white flag but his dogged play and determined resolve kept his young charges invested until they could exert all-out effort in the final frame.

The final line is stock full with 28 points, three assists, eight rebounds, two steals, a block, and a single turnover. Impressive!

Although  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t go crazy scoring this effort deserves to be recognized as equally impressive to CP3 and Gallo. He didn’t force the situation taking what he was given and knew his rebounding would matter without Adams and that Dort needed to focus on Harden.

That led to a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds plus an assist, three steals, and a block.

The effect of Paul on SGA is palpable but for as much as CP3 can teach he has to have a pupil who is open to learning and Shai is definitely demonstrating his sponge-like receptiveness. At game end with the Thunder pressuring he guarded Harden on a few sets with his length causing problems.

The dagger came on a play where Schroder kept in front of Harden reaching in at just the right moment to poke the ball away which led to SGA snatching up the ball and driving in for the go-ahead flush.