OKC Thunder fall flat versus Grizzlies – grades
OKC Thunder Backcourt Grades:
CHRIS PAUL. B. . PG. Oklahoma City Thunder
Fans would be hard-pressed to find many box scores when Chris Paul registers a negative in his point differential. This was one of those occasions as he posted a minus 13.
In fairness, the vet is likely tired having to play every other day and as noted up top every team will have ‘one of those’ games.
Overall, CP3 still tried to be the catalyst to get the win as he was efficient shooting 6 of 12 from the field and hit two of his three 3-point attempts. Additionally, he added five rebounds, four assists, and grabbed FOUR steals.
It wasn’t a vintage Paul performance but he tried valiantly to turn the tide.
C-. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
This was arguably Shai Gilgeous-Alexander worst performance in an OKC Thunder jersey. The absence of Dennis Schroder is definitely affecting his timing and rhythm. Without Steven Adams, things only got worse for the Canadian.
He shot 3 of 13 from the field and had as many turnovers as he did assists (three).
Although this could be chalked up as an off night the concerning part of his game was that he kept forcing the 3-point shots. In the end, he went 1 of 8 from deep. After he figured out his shot wasn’t falling he should’ve tried to drive more or create for others.
This is consecutive games SGA has shot poorly as he registered 3 for 11 in the Lakers contest. I’ll note again, I wonder if his leg is more of an issue than anyone is saying.
We’ll keep an eye on this moving forward, but the positive to take away is two-fold. Chris Paul said in the post-game presser this doesn’t fall on Shai but the entire team. And, in the past, whenever he’s had a few bad games or issues he tends to bounce back quickly — it’s just in his demeanor.