OKC Thunder: Player grades features first win in 15 games
By Ryan Lewis
OKC Thunder starting lineup grades:
. F. Oklahoma City Thunder. ALEKSEJ POKUSEVSKI. B-
Aleksej Pokusevski had a fairly solid night on Tuesday, helping lift the OKC Thunder past the Celtics with a 12-point performance that saw him shoot 41.7 percent from the field.
While you’d love to see more from the rookie, his performance on Tuesday is far better than what we were treated to when the season began.
Pokusevski has also come around in other aspects of the game and shows how well he moves and passes the ball despite his size. He pulled down six rebounds and dealt four assists in the game.
A. . F. Oklahoma City Thunder. DARIUS BAZLEY
Since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was shuttered for what appears to be the season, Bazley has become one of the more consistent players in a Thunder uniform.
Although there are many areas in which he can improve, he’s not far from being a household name.
Bazley scored 21 points on 53.3 percent shooting for the Thunder and notched a double-double with a 10-rebound performance. He also dealt four assists and stepped in on defense with one block. However, his six turnovers are far more than you’d like to see.
B+. . C. Oklahoma City Thunder. MOSES BROWN
Brown will be an elite player in the NBA. It’s not hard to see that when you consider that in his 12 minutes on the court Tuesday, Brown scored eight points and finished with seven rebounds.
He’s a force, and he’s someone who can control the paint easily on both ends of the floor. With a few more seasons under his belt, Brown will be a star.
G. Oklahoma City Thunder. LUGUENTZ DORT. B.
Dort is far from perfect, but he certainly makes each game fun.
On Tuesday, Dort shot a poor 35.7 percent from the field, and still, he managed to lead the team in points with 24. He was able to do that by nailing 11 of his 13 free throw attempts.
Elsewhere, Dort was solid, getting into the mix with three rebounds and two assists and showing off his defensive skills with a block.
C-. . G. Oklahoma City Thunder. THEO MALEDON
Maledon is at his best when he’s patient. Sometimes, the game’s flow doesn’t allow him to settle into a rhythm, but that will come with experience.
On Tuesday, Maledon made just one of his four shot attempts but finished a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line to finish the night with six points. He picked up three rebounds and five assists and got involved defensively with one steal.
He’s got some growing to do, but he’s on the right path.