OKC Thunder delivers statement win vs. Pelicans – player grades

In closing:

In the preview to this match, it was noted how important it would be to keep Brandon Ingram occupied on the defensive end and Bazley stepped up to the challenge. There is still a need for the Thunder to rebound the ball better as they lost that battle 52-38.

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After witnessing how explosive Daigneault’s offense can be in transition (OKC won the fast break battle 27-8) imagine how many more opportunities the Thunder will gain once they can master cleaning the glass.

As for the offense while only four players reached double-digit scores five other Thunder players scored between five and nine points. That type of balanced scoring will keep opponents off balance which was another key TI highlighted this young group should work on mastering.

While there won’t be a lot of games that leave Thunder Nation this satiated this season, one thing the fan base can rest assured of is this team will offer exciting matches and further glimpses of what the future holds.

In the interim, we’ll take this exciting victory and savor the fact the core of this Thunder team won’t just roll over en route to nabbing an essential young draft pick(s) this offseason.

For those interested in perusing the full ESPN box score it can be found here. Check back for three takeaways later this morning.

Next up the Thunder continues their four-game road trip with a stop in New York on Friday to play the Knicks.