OKC Thunder: Despite loss, Al Horford shines in debut – player grades
In the first of two consecutive preseason games against the Bulls, the OKC Thunder fell 103-124. Player grades offer insight into the loss.
For the first time since March 11th, the OKC Thunder played a game on the Chesapeake Energy Arena home court. Rudy Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 and that infamous night will go down in history as the night the NBA was suspended mid-season.
Although there were no fans in attendance, it was the closest proximity to a typical game night as the Thunder club has played since last March. This will continue to be the new norm until the pandemic is under control.
149. Final. 124. 24. 103
OKC Thunder first preseason loss occurs versus Billy Donovan’s Bulls
Unfortunately, the good fortune and robust shooting the Thunder experienced versus the Spurs was seemingly left at the AT&T Center. OKC struggled to score no matter where they were on the hardwood.
Mark Daigneault switched things up from the Spurs game with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the only player back in the starting lineup. The quartet who joined him were all making their first preseason appearances and two were making their debuts as Thunder players.
That duo was Al Horford who was easily the best Thunder player while Justin Jackson landed at the opposite end of the spectrum.
Returning rookies, (now sophomores) Darius Bazley and Luguentz Dort suffered a similar fate with the former offering glimpses of why TI and Thunder Nation are so high on his potential. As for Lu he’s witnessed far better performances but knowing the Canadian he’ll bounce back with the verve he’s repeatedly demonstrated.
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This was the first of two consecutive games the Thunder will play against the Bulls and their former bench boss Billy Donovan.
While the Thunder battled to stay in the game the Bulls’ middle frames put distance between the clubs and ultimately resulted in a 21 point differential.
As for the individual performances let’s dive into the player grades from the match.