OKC Thunder capture tiebreak with easy victory over Jazz – Grades

OKC Thunder frontcourt grades

I was wondering how Luguentz Dort’s 3-point shot would carry over from the scrimmage sessions and on this night it fell a bit flat as he went 1 of 5.

Although he only scored five points the fact he’s willing to be aggressive and keep shooting is a positive result. His true value is clearly his defense however and he delivered in that regard locking down Donovan Mitchell.

Countless times in the match he would seemingly appear out of nowhere to cut off Mitchell’s passing lanes or body up on the Jazz All-Star point guard. On the League Pass broadcast, Doris Burke was raving about his defensive prowess — and for good reason.

Dort chipped in elsewhere with three rebounds, an assist, and two steals.

During the scrimmage sessions, Danilo Gallinari seemed rusty, and almost like he was just going through the paces.

It was felt he would likely step up his effort once the games counted for something and sure enough he was right back to his highly efficient self in this match.

He shot an efficient 5 of 10 and while his 3-point shooting is still a little off (2 of 6) he looks closer to his typical form.  He scored 15 points and grabbed four rebounds as he continues to work off the rust of the hiatus.

While his counterpart gets accolades as an annual Defensive Player of the Year candidate it was Steven Adams who won the matchup on this day (and in truth in the season series).

While Gobert seems to be less scary to opponents Adams is a center who clearly puts fear in his opponents. Guards are less likely to drive the paint with abandon when he’s the presence they’ll face and big men aren’t exactly keen to go to battle with him on the boards.

Since returning from the hiatus he’s looked sharp, in shape, and for the first time in years not hobbled by some sort of ailment.

In fact, he seems more aggressive and spry offensively brimming with a confidence I don’t recall him showing for a couple of seasons.

On the day his stat line was more indicative of his overall contributions which are often lost since they aren’t typical box score stats. He garnered a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds adding two assists and two blocks. For what it’s worth Gobert had 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

Adams posted a net differential of plus 15 — Gobert was a minus 14.