OKC Thunder player grades – OKC enters break on a high note!

OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles past Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) : Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles past Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) : Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) shoots: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

The ‘Dort’ure Chamber is a real thing!

Oklahoma City Thunder. LU DORT. A+. . G

So, guarding DeMar DeRozan isn’t an easy challenge given the myriad of skills in the vet’s toolbox.  It was clear on several plays Luguentz Dort had done his customary film prep. He made DeMar WORK for every bucket and forced him to shoot 21 times to register 20 points.

But, there was a play near the end of the game where he switched to cut off Dejounte Murray on the baseline and another where he anticipated DeRozan’s move to force a turnover that stood out late in the match.

Typically, DeRozan draws double teams particularly to close out games so having a defender like Dort capable of guarding a talent one on one is such a luxury for Daigneault. The Spurs broadcast crew were suitably impressed by the ‘Dort Chamber’.

The Canadian didn’t have a great shooting night (5 of 16) yet he managed to score 15 points, grab three rebounds (two on the offensive glass among the Spurs trees), dished one dime, and was a beast in the lanes gaining four steals and along with a block. AND he registered a game-high plus/minus of +20.

Kudos also to Lu for also being selected to the Rising Stars World team.