OKC Thunder get crushed by visiting Clippers: Grades

For the second game in a row, the OKC Thunder lose by double digits to a top tier opponent. They will look to bounce back tomorrow night  in Detroit

It was a very somber evening inside the friendly confines of Chesapeake Energy Arena for the home OKC Thunder. Coming off the heals of the worst loss in franchise history, this game only adds salt to the recent wounds for this Thunder team.

The Clippers came into the game tonight seemingly hitting their stride at this point in the season. They proved to be as good as advertised as they quickly jumped out to a 13 point lead early in the first quarter. Kawhi Leonard was a problem all evening, and it started early in this one.

Oklahoma City caught a rhythm at the beginning of the second quarter, shaving the big lead to just a single point. Much to the dismay of the home crowd, the Thunder allowed LA to score 17 consecutive points to take an 18 point lead, blowing this game open in the process.

This Thunder team gave a valiant effort as they have all season, but this game was decided early on. As long as this LA Clippers team is fully healthy, they have a case at being the most difficult team in the NBA to win against. OKC needs to be worlds better going forward, especially if they get the unlucky draw of playing this Clippers team in the first round.

The good news is that we can forget about this game quickly, as OKC travels to Detroit tomorrow night to take on the hapless Pistons. Hopefully, that game can serve as a “get right” opportunity for a team that has lost its way recently.

On to player grades.