OKC Thunder: Grades from loss to the Los Angeles Lakers

OKC Thunder starting lineup grades:

George Hill had another solid veterans game. He had ten points on 4-of-8 shooting and missing his only shot from deep. He had two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a starting unit which was clearly outmatched against last year’s champions. Without his defense on the Lakers’ guards, the game could have blown out at a much earlier stage.

SGA had a solid game against the Lakers. His 17 points, two rebounds, and one assist was his worst output on the season. He was still able to penetrate the lane and put the ball in through the trees but the Lakers’ defensive prowess was just too much. He only managed to get 12 shots up for the game which is not enough for the current franchise player.

Luguentz Dort had one of the hardest jobs in the NBA today, he had to defend James. Unfortunately for the Thunder, James had an efficient game and for one of the few times this season. Dort did not have the tools to slow him down. At the other end, Dort had nine points and 3-of-6 shooting from deep. He is showing better decision-making on offense which is going to help this team.

For the first time this season, Darius Bazley was beaten soundly by an opponent. He took on Anthony Davis and the Lakers star was too big with too many skills for the second-year player to curtail. To put that into context, Bazley has taken on Zion Williamson twice and Kevin Durant once this season.

Isaiah Roby was called up for his second career start. His assignment was to play against one of the most cerebral centers in this league. Roby was arguably the best Thunder player for the night. He had 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. On one play he bought the ball up the court and gave a beautiful dime to Hamidou Diallo for the buckets. Looked like a 6’8″ point center.