OKC Thunder: Player grades features late rally in loss to Suns

May 2, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon (11) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon (11) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
OKC Thunder
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Best OKC Thunder reserve performance:

A. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. TY JEROME

Jerome rarely gets an opportunity to shine as bright as he did on Sunday.

Jerome was one of two reserves to score 15 points. He made 50 percent of his shots, including three of his four 3-point attempts. When he wasn’t busy trying to give the OKC Thunder an edge over the Suns, he found other ways to be disruptive.

Jerome came down with two rebounds and dealt five assists. He also finished the game with one block and a steal. He was one of the best players on the court for the Thunder on Sunday.

Best opponent performance:

A. . G. Phoenix Suns. DEVIN BOOKER

As much as Thunder fans would like to see Chris Paul take this honor home, it’s hard to argue with Booker’s performance.

Booker scored 32 points on 50 percent shooting and also picked up three rebounds, six assists, and two steals along the way.

If not for Booker, the Thunder might have been able to pick up the win. Instead, we were treated to a great performance between the Thunder and the Suns.

More from Thunderous Intentions

In closing:

This was a game the OKC Thunder could have won, but like with all games this season, it isn’t one they needed to win. The Suns, on the other hand, needed this win to keep their hopes alive of locking in the number one seed.

It was nice to see the reserves get more time on the court. Because of that, the reserves actually scored 54 percent of the Thunder’s points in the game.

Roby and Gabriel Deck each scored 11 points, while Svi Mykhailiuk scored seven points and Tony Bradley added six.

Click here to view the full box score.

The OKC Thunder will be back in action on Tuesday night when they host the Sacramento Kings at 7 p.m. CT.

Next. Former Thunder captain Chris Paul is MVP worthy. dark