Dennis Schroder feasts as OKC Thunder defeat Magic: player grades

Typical Chris Paul effort where he didn’t force his offense taking only nine shots through to midway of the fourth quarter. Then with the Magic pressing and cutting the lead to two he summoned his Mr. Clutch and does what he typically does — taking over the game.

Paul repeatedly made plays to draw fouls and shot six of his 11 free throws in the last two minutes of the match.

His assist total doesn’t reflect how he controlled the offense by constantly keeping the ball moving. The hockey assists must be through the roof.

His line on the night was reflective of the overall effort with 19 points, six assists, three rebounds, THREE steals. He did have an uncharacteristic three turnovers but that’s more a nod to the swarming defensive and how the Magic uses their hands to get deflections and knock balls out of their opponent’s hands.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to benefit from his mentor and there is palpable growth being displayed as the season carries on. Nothing is ever forced as he plays within himself and this effort in Orlando was highly efficient.

That led to a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds plus an assist, THREE steals, and THREE blocks.

Of note – prior to his massive 20-20-10 triple-double in Minnesota SGA had recorded two double-doubles in his career. One last season and one versus the Mavericks this season. Since that game, Gilgeous-Alexander has recorded three double-doubles in five games!