OKC Thunder: SGA channels clutch gene to win season opener – player grades

On many nights after games when there are losses we’ll likely feature the rookies and up and coming talents who serve up a special performance.

But, in this opening game of the season, it’s the wise vet who embraces whatever role he’s given. Muscala did a little of everything in the win scoring 14 points, grabbing two boards, dishing an assist, and forcing two turnovers for steals. He also shot efficiently hitting 5 of 8 from the field, 2 of 4 from deep, and got to the line twice draining both attempts.

In a season with so much turnover and a roster full of up and coming talents, veterans looking to be traded, and others vying to carve out a role Muscala offers us that one individual who we know precisely what we’ll get from.

Best Opponent performance

Up until the closing minutes of the game, P.J. Washington was ready to get Intentions hat tip for an overall stellar effort in the match. Washington had a strong performance with 18 points, eight rebounds, an assist, steal, and three blocks.

But then Miles Bridges went nuts taking over the match and erasing the double-digit lead the Thunder held AND he did it in less than a minute!

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Forget his line of 14 points, six rebounds, a steal, and two blocks. This was all about a player who wanted to will his team to a win and put them on his shoulders.

With 3:22 remaining in the match Bridges hit a 3-pointer to pull the Hornets within 10 points. Then the onslaught began –

• lay-up at 1:06 (102-93)
• defensive rebound at 29.1
• 3-pointer  at 24.9 (104-101)
• 3-pointer at 17.1 (105-104)
• 3-pointer at 10.3 (107-107)

Something to keep an eye on with this Hornets club is whether James Borrego elects to start Bridges eventually. If not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can breathe a little easier because Bridges is one of the players who could easily vie for Most Improved Player.

Closing Thought:

Mark Daigneault got his first win and gave himself a C+ as a score after the fact. While he showed adeptness at adapting there was one area of the game he’ll learn from.

That was at the game end when Miles Bridges was on fire and singlehandedly brought the Hornets back erasing the Thunder 13 point lead. As wise as the decision was to put Bazley on Bridges for his length, perhaps next time Daigneault will rethink that move and put Dort on the player with the hot hand.

For those interested in the full ESPN box score you can view it here.

The OKC Thunder will be in action on Monday, December 28th in their home opener as they host the Jazz who lost to the Timberwolves on Saturday.