OKC Thunder fall flat in Game 1 vs. Rockets: player grades

The OKC Thunder tipped off their 2020 playoffs looking flat and unprepared for the Houston Rockets. Grades offer details.

There was plenty to be excited about. After all, not one pundit (except Kendrick Perkins) expected the OKC Thunder to get into the postseason. But, now that they had arrived it was time to make a mark. No one assumed this series would be easy, but the fact Russell Westbrook wasn’t going to play in this game (and potentially others) gave the Thunder an edge.

Yet, that almost seemed to be the problem for the home team. Did they buy into their own press? Just because Russ was out it’s not like the Rockets don’t have another MVP winner on their team.

As TI outlined leading into the game there were specific areas the Thunder needed to focus on and be prepared for and while I get into this deeper in the takeaways let’s simply say they sure didn’t look like they were prepared for this game.

In each of the two opening quarters, the Rockets held an eight-point edge so by the time the teams headed for the lockerroom they trailed 68 to 52.

The break did them little help as yet again Houston won the third frame 36-31. By that point, the game was well out of reach and although the Thunder took the final frame 25-19 it didn’t offer much in the way of motivation.

It’s only one game so there is time to turn things around. Still, the fact OKC failed to take advantage of Westbrook being out is extremely disappointing.

With only one game off between each game the team will need to do deep dives into the film and Donovan has the opportunity to show his adjustments on Thursday.

For now, let’s reflect back on the starters, best reserve, and best opponent (take a wild guess) grades from Game 1.