OKC Thunder: Player Grades reflect how a poor start gave Clippers the win

OKC Thunder starting lineup grades:

Listening to the Clippers announcers it was clear just how much Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was respected and loved in LA. They cited how the coaching staff raved about his maturity and how coachable he was.

In the end, it was viewed as a necessary move in order to land Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and one they would make 10 times out of 10 but the fact they are still raving about SGA speaks to their fondness of him.

In the loss, what was most impressive about the young guard’s performance was his leadership. He never put his head down or stopped competing. Rather he led by example and kept fighting finishing with a team-high 30 points along with three rebounds, eight assists and two steals.

Take a gander at the superstar who got the nod in best opponent and the two stat lines are remarkably similar which speaks to the constant ascent of SGA.

The continued growth of Luguentz Dort is so enjoyable to watch. The minus comes by virtue of Dort’s inability to master his defensive assignments. That statement is made somewhat tongue in cheek because he did a great job of running his covers off the line and were talking two superstars here.

The growth in his offensive game is on clear display as he produced 19 points punctuated by an efficient night of 7 of 13 from the field along with 3 of 7 perimeter makes.

Dort continues to be among the best defensive talents in the NBA and his stats are reflecting his growth and strength in this area.

While Hill provided a fine line of 12 points and five rebounds the area he could’ve perhaps offered more was in leading the team early to lock in defensively. Whether it was his assignment or a blown coverage I witnessed a few occasions in the opening frame where a Clippers player was left wide open and it was Hill who came running at them.

He needs to lead by example in that regard (and again if he was trying to make up for a missed coverage – than my apologies). Additionally, getting the ball moving and putting his teammates in a position to score early is another area he can help.

He’s young, developing, and has moments of spectacular. But facing the likes of Serge Ibaka and the talented Clippers cast is going to be trying. Ibaka finished with a double-double Ivica Zubac posted similar production to Roby.

Without Al Horford available, however, Roby has stepped up and his presence in the future iterations of the Thunder seem likely based on his rapid ascent and impressive skill set.

He finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Intentions is still very high on Bazley but this match highlighted a few areas of the youngster’s game that need more attention.

First, he’s young so his strength will come but facing the talented Clippers his strength (or lack thereof) stood out. Likewise, there is room to grow on the defensive end. It often feels like it’s going to just be a matter of time until he recognizes his unique physique and length could make him an above-average defender.

The other thing I’d like to see is Bazley being more aggressive. It’s a bit of a catch 22 because he’s not a selfish player which is part of the team identity but long term let’s hope he gets a little more selfish.

He registered eight points, four rebounds, and an assist but posted a team-worst minus -12 (tied with Diallo).