OKC Thunder blow out the visiting Atlanta Hawks – player grades
By Sinjin Snope
A. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. CHRIS PAUL
Good game tonight from the leader of the OKC Thunder. Chris Paul had a steady performance that included his fair share of smooth mid-range jumpers and step-back 3-pointers. CP3 finished the night with a nice line of 18 points and five assists.
A. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
A nice performance tonight from the ever-improving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The young OKC Thunder star scored 24 points, grabbed six assists and even had three blocks. He makes driving to the basket look so smooth, and he is a joy to watch play the game of basketball.
A. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. LU DORT
First career home start for the young Lu Dort tonight. He played very well considering his defensive assignment was Trae Young and he even scored five points. His defense has been impressive in his limited time this season and he has become yet another young intriguing prospect for the OKC Thunder.
A-. . PF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DANILO GALLINARI
Fantastic night for Danilo Gallinari. The veteran forward put his scoring prowess on full display as he scored 25 points, making things look way too easy in the process. He has been playing at an All-Star level this year for OKC.
B+. . C. Oklahoma City Thunder. NERLENS NOEL
Great game from Nerlens Noel who filled in for an injured Steven Adams once again tonight. He had a boatload of dunks and scored an efficient 10 points to go along with eight boards. He has also had a very nice year and is delivering his role to a T.