OKC Thunder: Grades highlight positives in OT loss to Lakers

Hamidou Diallo sure is having a solid third year as a pro. His growth is on constant display and he’s embracing his role whether he’s starting or delivering as a reserve.

Just one game after tying his career-best rebounding effort of 11 he upped the ante with 13 rebounds on route to a double-double with 15 points as well as five assists and two blocks.

He missed his two perimeter attempts but he continues to showcase growth this season seemingly with a view of being a part of the Thunder foundation of the future.

Of all the players who were part of trades this offseason the one who is quite clearly carving out a role for himself moving forward is Kenrich Williams.

Regardless of what he’s asked to do the wingman delivers. In this match without SGA available, he embraced an increased offensive role.

Typically Williams doesn’t look for his own shot but without Gilgeous-Alexander in the mix, he took more shots scoring a career-best 24 points on a highly efficient 11 of 14 from the field including two of three from deep. Williams added six rebounds, two assists, and three steals with the only flaw being his five turnovers.

More on Williams in the coming days — but for now, let’s just say he’s quickly becoming one of Intentions’ favorite new Thunder players.

Luguentz Dort has been tasked with unquestionably the hardest defensive assignments this season often giving up massive size and height differentials.

Although his 3-point shot wasn’t on the mark in this match he did contribute in many ways with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. This while often having to guard LeBron James.

Considering the latter portion of his assignment and that he’s playing banged up he gets a bit of a pass on his inability to hit from range.

Darius Bazley had an off shooting night (4 of 15) scoring nine points but battled for boards (seven). It’s important to remember this is his first full season as a starter and he’s just 20 years old.

There will be standout performances from Bazley and without SGA playing he got increased defensive attention from the Lakers.  How he navigates the season and learns from these experiences will pay dividends down the road.

As the lone veteran in the starting rotation, Al Horford delivered as a leader pushing his young teammates to stay competitive versus the defending champions.

His 25 points were the team-high while he also added eight rebounds, eight assists four steals, and a block.

OKC Thunder fans should be jumping up and down over this performance as it only serves to up the trade value of Horford for playoff squads in need of a big man to push them over the edge.

In the interim the character of Horford and the mentorship he’s providing to this young crew is invaluable.