OKC Thunder: Player grades feature team effort in win versus Blazers

The OKC Thunder got off to a flying start against the Portland Trail Blazers to clinch their first victory in four games.

I’m not sure if it was because Damian Lillard announced the release of his new shoe that celebrates his buzzer-beater eliminating the Thunder in the playoffs, or that they were in Portland. But the Thunder played with so much more urgency and zest than in their recent matchups.

The Thunder’s sunset orange uniforms almost blended in with the Trail Blazers home court. As they came out firing almost to say that they were making it their house even away from OKC.

With George Hill out due to a right thumb sprain and Al Horford for personal reasons, it gave the young roster the opportunity for big minutes.

Theo Maledon was rewarded with his first NBA start while Isaiah Roby once again started in place of Horford.

OKC’s starting five had an average age of 21 years and 185 days which is one of the youngest lineups to ever be put on an NBA court. Yet they played with an intensity and consistency that is rare to see.

OKC Thunder’s speed secures the win

The OKC Thunder confronted the Trail Blazers with their lightning offense, tremendous ball movement, and extraordinary three-point shooting.

Slow starts and playing catchup basketball was something that cost OKC in their previous losses to the Clippers. They rectified this against Portland in a stunning fashion.

The Thunder came into the game with the worst offense in the league yet they had no problems, shooting 51.2 percent from the field.

By the end of the first quarter, OKC was up 34-24. And by the end of the first half, they had made 12 three-pointers compared to Portland’s four. Five of these were from Mike Muscala off the bench.

Darius Bazley had 10 points and four rebounds in the first quarter alone. Going four of five while Damian Lillard was one of five in this period. Lillard also didn’t make his first 3-pointer until the final two minutes of the first half and went eight of 22 in the game. This was a result of some tenacious defense by Lu Dort who deserves his own shoe.

If that wasn’t enough, the Thunder bench combined for 53 points with some significant contributions. It was great to see guys like Aleksej Pokusevski and Kenrich Williams get some good shots and make the most of their time on the floor.

As they continued to be challenged by the Thunder’s fleeting style of game, the Blazers fed off Carmelo Anthony and Anfernee Simons rhythm. And later Lillard, who finished with 26 points.

The second half saw Portland make a push and start to erase the Thunder’s lead. But OKC remained confident, something that was helped by their terrific start.