OKC Thunder grades vs. 76ers: 14th loss ties franchise worst
F. Oklahoma City Thunder. ALEKSEJ POKUSEVSKI. B-.
The Thunder unicorn had a rough shooting night. I have to say even on nights when he’s failing to hit shots or making defensive blunders I’m transfixed watching him and can’t help but wonder what his ceiling is.
At least once per game, there is a Poku WOW moment. At just 19 he has so much time to develop and his raw skill set for his height allows us to dream of what that potential could translate into. I’m also a big fan of his swagger. So many players who were expected to make a mark in the NBA disappear because they lose confidence but Poku sure doesn’t seem like he’ll fall into that trap.
Like Maledon and Williams he also had five turnovers but was the top assist man with five, had two rebounds, two steals, and eight points.
His grade gets a bump because he’s not afraid of anyone and that’s something Thunder Nation should embrace.
B. . F. Oklahoma City Thunder. DARIUS BAZLEY
Darius Bazley had arguably his best week in the pros last week collecting his career-best scoring in back-to-back games. That he was doing that without the services of his typical linemates and also was dialed in defensively were all positive signs in this growth.
On Monday, he wasn’t as aggressive with his shot — partially because the 76ers earmarked him as a primary target.
He finished with 14 points on 6 of 11 shooting although the perimeter shot was off again. Bazley added seven rebounds and two assists but also coughed up the ball (four turnovers).
Overall, it was a rough night for him and it would’ve been nice to see him be more aggressive but given the attention the 76ers paid to him overall, it was a decent effort.
Oklahoma City Thunder. MOSES BROWN. B+. . C
Like his linemates, Moses Brown was also involved in the turnover fest although his three were the fewest by the starters. He also produced the best plus/minus of the group (minus -13).
He seemed to have fallen off, scoring a cumulative two points in three games (Raptors/two games versus Wizards). His rebounding was also off with a combined 11 rebounds in those three matches — the same amount he collected just versus the Pacers.
Against the 76ers, Brown was closer to the guy who broke onto the scene when he became a starter. He scored 11 points on an efficient 5 of 8 from the field and added eight rebounds (three offensive boards) along with an assist and a steal.