OKC Thunder grades: Pokusevski impresses Kings crew in loss

Best OKC Thunder reserve performance:

Statistically, Jaylen Hoard gets the tap here although I’m liking some of the skillset displayed by Gabriel Deck. The problem was Deck shot horribly (1 of 8) and had some defensive issues.

So the youngster Hoard gets the hat tip especially because he contributed whenever he was on the court. His 16 points didn’t all come in garbage time either. Hoard appeared in each frame playing approximately four and a half and six and half minutes and delivered something in each appearance.

The forward finished with 16 points on 6 of 8 shooting, got to the line five times (hit four), added five rebounds (one offensive board), an assist, and a steal plus he had no turnovers and collected the lowest plus/minus of the night (minus one) for the Thunder.

I’m not sure what the long-range plans are for Hoard but it will be worth a look in Summer League if it happens and if not a long hard look in the offseason.

Best opponent performance:

With eight Kings players scoring in double figures there was a bevy of Sacramento players to pick from. And while both Mo Harkless and Terence Davis each scored 18 points and offered other goodies it was Mo who set the tone for his squad right from the tip.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Harkless showcased how a veteran can have a positive impact on a club and offer leadership. Mo is in the final year of his contract (an economical $3.6 million) and may find himself coveted by elite teams seeking to add a wing with his full skillset and two-way ability at a bargain.

In addition to the scoring, Harkless offered five rebounds (one offensive board), three assists, and a steal with no turnovers. The vet got to the line for six free throws (connecting on five). As noted, other Kings were also key to the win but Mo got them started instilling the right effort and focus from the tip.

To view the full ESPN box score from the match click here.

The same two teams are back in action on Tuesday as the OKC Thunder play their final game this season against the Sacramento Kings with the tip at 9 p.m. CT (10:00 EST).