OKC Thunder G1 loss, 3 takeaways: bench disparity, fastbreak absence, Dort missed

Are there reserves in reserve?

This might be the most annoying part of this entire game in reflection of the loss. Rewatching the game, there are mistakes the starting unit needs to fix but Chris Paul came within one assist of a triple-double, Danilo Gallinari scored with ease, and Steven Adams got a double-double.

Sure, we need Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to impose his will on the Rockets and do more but the starting five as a whole weren’t terrible. In fact, with Shai only scoring nine points and Harden scoring 37 guess what the differential was? —- ZERO! The starters were a wash: 81 to 81.

So the game was won by the Rockets and lost by the Thunder based on their reserve output. The Rockets scored 42 to the Thunder 27 and that was the difference. Dennis Schroder had an off game and ironically while playing small ball he looked diminutive on the court.

Moving forward the Thunder will need more than seven points from their Sixth Man and while Donovan spoke post-game about reducing the number of players he’ll use moving forward I’m not sure that’s the wisest choice. He simply needs to be wiser in the minute distribution.

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To wit, Hamidou Diallo’s physicality and athleticism check off a few required boxes. First with him on the court the Thunder knows they have a quality defender and his speed would help push the transition. Darius Bazley performed well in his limited minutes so upping his usage wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Finally, the one player who consistently has demonstrated his ability to score the minute he checks in is Abdel Nader. Donovan did say he’d consider using Nader more and he is coming off some discomfort in his elbow and neck (residual from an earlier seeding game injury).

I know that takes Donovan to 10 players but this situation and specific opponent may warrant it. You’ve got speedy players on the Rockets and pushing CP3, Gallo, or Adams minutes while reducing who plays off the OKC bench isn’t the answer.

Ultimately, there are numerous tweaks to be made heading into Game 2. Let’s hope Donovan makes these simple ones because the Thunder doesn’t want to fall behind 2-0 especially while Westbrook is still out.

Thunderous Intention player grades are available here. Game 2 goes off on Thursday, August 20th at 3:30 EST (2:30 pm CT).

OKC Thunder G1 loss, 3 takeaways: bench disparity, fastbreak absence, Dort missed