OKC Thunder: 3 takeaways in big win over Atlanta Hawks

Feb 26, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) goes to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) defends the shot during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) goes to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) defends the shot during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder takeaway No. 2) Welcome to the Thunder, Ty Jerome

Jerome was part of the trade that sent Chris Paul to Phoenix, but he hadn’t yet played a minute for the OKC Thunder.

That changed on Friday when he made his debut.

Jerome was stellar for the Thunder. In his 22 minutes on the floor, Jerome was patient with his shot and deferred to his teammates rather than take a bad one.

His passes were one of the most impressive aspects of his game on Friday, and he often found teammates in a prime location to knock down a shot with ease. Jerome finished with seven assists, another record for the Thunder on the night.

The second-year player did more than pass the ball, he also scored nine points on 57.1 percent shooting and grabbed five rebounds and two steals.

He didn’t perform like a player debuting on a new team, he played like one who is already well established.

He was patient, hungry, and smooth in his debut, and his chemistry with Maledon, in particular, was something special as the two played seamlessly together.