OKC Thunder grades: Pokusevski impresses Kings crew in loss

OKC Thunder starting lineup grades:

It was clear early, that Theo Maledon came out and was ready to play. He was aggressive from the tip but his quarterbacking didn’t pay dividends as either his shot missed or his linemates weren’t hitting. Credit to the youngster for being aggressive and trying to create offense both for himself and his linemates. That said, his management of the game wasn’t as strong as we’ve previously witnessed, and taking seven 3-pointers isn’t ideal when the shot isn’t falling.

Maledon finished with 13 points on 5 of 15 shooting, hit two 3-pointers (on seven attempted), grabbed two boards, and dished two assists with only a single turnover. His aggressiveness was demonstrated by the four free throw attempts but as the point guard, he needs to hit those (1 of 4) which points to the need for him to work on his shooting at all levels of the court this offseason.

Early in the match, former Kings player, Doug Christie joined the list of many of his cohorts in praising Aleksej Pokusevski and his ball-handling skills. In a game that likely made a few in the fanbase happy there are only four more of these types of games to witness, POKU offered up glimpses of why the franchise is undertaking this tank effort and what is to come in the future.

That Pokusevski finished with only five assists is a joke because that easily should’ve been double that amount as he repeatedly dished the ball to wide-open teammates whether on the perimeter or in close.

He’s getting very skilled at driving the paint and hitting the open cornerman and there were moments (don’t laugh because I’m serious) where he reminded me of how Steve Nash or Chris Paul would utilize the dribble while in constant movement looking for his open shooter.

That he is 19 and still learning is one of the best parts of this lost season.

He finished with 13 points on 5 of 11 shooting, grabbed two boards, dished five dimes. and somehow didn’t collect a block he clearly earned.