OKC Thunder: Gallinari dagger 3-pointer buries Pistons – grades

Even if we isolate on the closing few minutes Chris Paul deserves the “A” grade for his game management of those closing minutes. As per usual he kept the team calm, found Gallo for the 3-point dagger and grabbed key rebounds. This all while the Pistons had momentum and were pressuring the Thunder hoping to steal the victory.

On the evening CP3 shot an efficient 7 of 10 for 16 points and added all kinds of goodies such as six assists, four rebounds, and THREE steals. The six turnovers weren’t a typical Paul stat but speak to the fatigue level (and a few no-calls).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back from a mediocre showing versus the Clippers to one of his better performances of the season. His 27 points led all Thunder players and were key to the team netting the victory. He was extremely efficient shooting 12 of 15 from the field with 2 of 4 of his 3-pointers falling.

Shai also led the team in plus/minus with a +12 and bothered several of his main covers on the Pistons. He added two rebounds, three assists and his activity on the defensive end was reflected via his two steals and two blocks.

This match was a great example of how SGA can affect games on both sides of the court.