OKC Thunder get routed by Pelicans in Steven Adams return – Grades

The OKC Thunder took on the New Orleans Pelicans, losing by 33 in Steven Adams’ return — player grades

In the game where the OKC Thunder welcomed back favorite son Steven Adams, the team struggled against the front-court power that was Adams and Zion Williamson. Teams with strong, dominant bodies are going to trouble the Thunder.

Thunder fans are used to Adams setting about 100 screens a game but never for a different team. His presence was huge for the New Orleans Pelicans as he got his players open time after time. It was too much for the younger Thunder players to deal with.

The OKC Thunder were not able to stay in the game after half time:

Zion Williamson missed most of the third quarter due to getting his fourth foul less than five minutes into the period. This was seemingly compounded when Brandon Ingram was sent off with three minutes left to play in the period, assessed with a flagrant two for contact with Isaiah Roby’s head.

Unfortunately for the Thunder’s younger guys, the die was set and they were out of the game at this point. On a positive note, Josh Hall and Aleksej Pokusevski both hit their first NBA 3-pointers which they will both remember for their careers.

A big reason the Pelicans were too strong was that seven of their players got into double figures compared to two for the OKC Thunder.

Lonzo Ball almost had a triple-double with 13 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Adams had a double-double with 15 points and ten rebounds, six offensive.