OKC Thunder: Player grades highlight smothering defense in victory vs. Nets
By Brandon Dale
OKC Thunder starting lineup grades: All around superb performance
The starters looked comfortable tonight via an all-around effort that proved contagious as the club utilized the ‘pace and space’ philosophy to its advantage in a massive collective endeavor.
B+. . G. Oklahoma City Thunder. GEORGE HILL
George Hill looked sharp and is developing great chemistry with backcourt partner SGA. This was obvious as the veteran guard sliced and diced his way through the defense, providing easy layups for his teammates.
Hill went 6 of 12 from the field while grabbing two steals and three assists in 28 minutes of action. This steady play is just what Coach Daigneault is looking for as the Thunder look to build on this recent momentum.
A+. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 of his 31 points before the fourth period. His impressive stat line includes seven assists and six rebounds.
The Thunder star has been brilliant defensively as his energy proves to be the spark that this team needs.
SGA has a methodical and deliberate way of operating which affords him easy opportunities in the open court and equates to multiple “and one” trips.
Shai will continue to be a handful for most teams on most nights in this league.
. PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. LU DORT. B
Lu Dort had a quiet 13 points in 25 minutes of play, but the Arizona State product went 2 of 3 from beyond the arc. This should be a welcome sign to OKC fans.
It seems when Dort isn’t included enough on the offensive end he struggles to find his rhythm so that’s something for Daigneault to consider moving forward.
Defensively, he continues to be sound as his ability to stick with opposing players on the perimeter has been a constant staple in his game.
A. . SF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DARIUS BAZLEY
Darius accepted the role of taking on former OKC Thunder superstar Kevin Durant. Although Baze could not stop Durant, he still made his imprint against the two-time NBA champion.
Darius had an off shooting night, but it was about the details in this matchup as the long forward did everything right from a defensive position. His footwork was excellent, and Darius swatted Durant one time at the basket. That certainly was memorable.
Bazley will look to bounce back offensively as he only eclipsed five points in 33 minutes of playing time.
F/C. Oklahoma City Thunder. AL HORFORD. A.
Al Horford was a singular, dominant presence in the paint in the most recent Thunder outing. That aggressiveness by the Florida big man resulted in 22 points.
‘Big Al’ logged three assists to go along with six rebounds, shooting 3 of 7 from beyond the arc. The Thunder veteran did not let his age show as he looked spry in the win against the Brooklyn Nets.