OKC Thunder player grades: Lu Dort’s gem not enough vs. Pistons
Another OKC Thunder game, another Lu Dort masterclass.
We thought last season was a breakthrough year for Dort, but this season he has truly gone to new heights especially in his offensive game.
After his 42 point game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, he backed it up with an exceptional 26 point performance where his spark and relentless never-say-die attitude inspired the OKC Thunder as they managed to close an 11 point lead in the fourth quarter.
64. Final. 104. 149. 110
How the OKC Thunder lost to Detroit:
Even without seven of their key players which include former OKC Thunder players Jerami Grant and Hamidou Diallo, the Pistons still had big contributors, particularly in Josh Jackson who went off for 29 points.
Detroit was down by as many as 15 in the game but was determined to get back in front. A big third quarter took them out to a lead of 86-79 and OKC’s ten turnovers in the quarter alone didn’t help.
A takeaway from this matchup was consistent play and shooting accuracy was needed from OKC throughout the match. What they missed here, they made up for in motivation and persistence.
Overall, the game was a chance for the youngsters to shine bright in Motor City. And that’s what the Pistons’ rookies did.
2020 draftees Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart made some great plays. They were aggressive, assertive in scoring, and showed a glimpse of the exciting future Detroit has ahead of them. Stewart also set the record for the most rebounds (22) by any rookie since John Henson in 2013.