OKC Thunder deliver statement win vs. Lakers: Grades
Frontcourt Grades:
PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. LU DORT. A+.
Throughout the season whoever has started in the small forward spot is the last of that unit in the pecking order for shots. Go back and scan the games Terrence Ferguson started and many will feature no shot attempts or just a couple.
It’s part of what makes Luguentz Dort so impressive. He’s aggressive and open-minded. Comparing his offense to Shai is telling. They both took 11 shots and BOTH got to the line six times. Dort had one more point than SGA.
Postgame Dort was clearly displeased by his shot not falling and vowed to put in the work to get it back to the level it was at in the scrimmages.
It’s impossible not to love this kid’s work ethic or demeanor. And while he’s annoyed with his shot not falling let’s stop for a second and recognize Dort was the primary defender on LeBron James! He spent close to 50 percent of his defensive time on James and held him to 1 of 5 but also was key in limiting LeBron’s playmaking ability.
That he was so effective is what makes everyone so excited about the youngster. Let’s not forget he was undrafted, playing on a two-way contract and now he’s guarding the likes of James Harden and LeBron James — and getting these superstars to put up far from typical performances.
The rook is unmoved by the pressure of the moment calling this ‘just another game” which is yet another of the long list of reasons to love Dort.
A. . PF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DANILO GALLINARI
Although Gallo was off during the scrimmages, he appears to have found his rhythm. He scored 19 points, hit two 3-pointers (5 attempts), and grabbed seven rebounds.
He’s being aggressive with drives and reaping the rewards ending up with seven free throws to lead the team.
Gallinari spent time guarding several different players with Anthony Davis garnering his primary attention (31.9 percent). He did his job as AD missed his one shot attempt and more impressively was the fact AD only got up one shot against him since Gallo was denying the ball getting to Davis.
A. . C. Oklahoma City Thunder. STEVEN ADAMS
How Steven Adams didn’t end up with a serious injury is unfathomable. Reviewing the film of the manner he fell and his leg bent under him it didn’t seem plausible he walked away from that – returned to the game and was unfazed.
That fact alone deserves the A. It also gave credence to the thought process this Thunder squad is truly touched with some sort of magic.
He had a highly effective offensive night posting 18 points plus grabbed seven rebounds and added two assists. And, can we talk about that Euro step around Anthony Davis?
Defensively he had better results with Anthony Davis (1 of 4) than JaVale McGee (2 of 3) but again, that Adams even returned to the game and played such a large role in the victory was inspiring.