Chris Paul leads OKC Thunder in victory versus Pistons: grades
B. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. LU DORT
Not one of his better showings but the rookie has made an impact on the team and the coaching staff.
The fact he remains in the starting lineup despite Terrance Ferguson being back, speaks to that fact. The reality is he’s the fifth scoring option in the lineup and it’s not like TFerg is doing much to suggest he should have his starting spot back given he shot 0 of 3 off the bench while facing reserves.
As noted the OKC Thunder are 9-1 in their last 10 games — they’ve all occurred with Dort in the starting rotation. As they say — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Oklahoma City Thunder. DANILO GALLINARI. A-. . PF
It wasn’t exactly an efficient shooting night from Danilo Gallinari who shot 5 of 15 from the field and 3 of 11 from deep. However, given he entered this match having dealt with the possibility of being traded it’s fair if the Italian was a little off. Regardless, he shot six of six from the line to collect 19 points total was a beast on the boards with nine and dished four assists without any turnovers.
Happily, for the crew at TI, Pat Riley was too intent on keeping salary cap options open so that meant Gallo remains with the Thunder. Here’s hoping the Thunder can win a round in the playoffs and Sam Presti uses that along with some smart maneuvering with those draft picks to convince the forward to return next season.
For now — we’ll satisfy ourselves with the fact he’ll finish the season in OKC.
. C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS. A
I’m betting Steven Adams approached tonight’s match with mixed emotions. It’s not often he gets the opportunity to play a typical big man like Andre Drummond. Without the Pistons’ former big man it meant there was no one capable of stopping Adams. That meant the Big Kiwi could feast – and feast he did.
He registered 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a block. With the Pistons going with lineups which were more small ball focused it did result in Adams having to move more on defense and wasn’t necessarily a banner night on that side of the hardwood, but he was still the best big on the floor in the win.