Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Spurs desperation wipes out OKC Thunder effort – player grades

By Tamberlyn Richardson

FEBRUARY 11: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY 11: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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FEBRUARY 11: Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

C. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. LU DORT

The youngster had a mediocre offering in this match but after being so effective in most of his starts it’s hard to grapple with an off night.

While his size can be a benefit in hampering the likes of James Harden and Damian Lillard it’s not as effective (or at least wasn’t tonight) on the lankier guards such as the adept Dejounte Murray. Then again, Terrance Ferguson didn’t have much of an effect at stopping the Spurs young point guard either.

This is where the team is paying the price for not being able to have Dort practice — OKC have to count practice sessions toward his 45-day allotment via his 2-way contract. If he could practice the time spent learning how to defend SGA would help for defensive assignments like Murray.

He scored four points and added two rebounds although his perimeter shot wasn’t falling (0-3). Still, his grade is based on his defensive offerings.

B+. . PF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DANILO GALLINARI

With Danilo Gallinari trying to help stall LaMarcus Aldridge it took more out of his legs and showed up on the offensive end. The Italian shot an uncharacteristically bad 4 of 17 from the field and 2 of 7 from deep.

The final stat line for Gallo is 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He tried to help on the boards and to stop LMA so those offerings give his grade a nudge up.

B+. . C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS

Having to contend with LaMarcus Aldridge is always a daunting task for Steven Adams. Looking back through the multiple times this pairing has occurred Adams rarely is on the winning side of the equation.

The Big Kiwi has never been the focus on the offense and that in itself makes for an easier go for LMA who isn’t pushed on the defensive side of the court. Even if LMA focuses on Gallo the defensive assignments are typically split up by Pop to keep his big man fresh.

Some nights that works to the benefit of the Thunder but in this match, Aldridge was a force who couldn’t be stopped from scoring or rebounding.

That Adams still managed to produce a double-double of 10 points and 10 boards along with with two assists FOUR steals and a block speaks to how actively engaged he was.

It just wasn’t enough to push the Thunder over the top.

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