OKC Thunder historic comeback victory vs. Lakers – grades
OKC Thunder starting backcourt grades:
G. Oklahoma City Thunder. JOSH GIDDEY. A.
Josh Giddey registered his first career double-double collecting 18 points and 10 assists showcasing why Sam Presti was thrilled to get this point guard in the draft. He had an uncharacteristic four turnovers and a low rebound total for him (two) but overall he had a major impact on the match and his chemistry with SGA is growing with each outing.
A+. . G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
It was only a matter of time before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm as Intentions noted in the preview. While he broke out of his scoring slump these past two games he only just started to improve from the perimeter and kept it up in this comeback.
In the first three games, SGA was shooting 3 of 19 from deep but in the last two matches, he’s rediscovered the range shooting 9 of 16 from deep. In the win he led the way with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, hit five 3-pointers (of 11 attempts), and was aggressive getting to the line for 10 free throws (hit 8).
As the Thunder crept closer to erasing the Lakers deficit time and again SGA hit dagger 3-pointers in the faces of Westbrook, Bradley, and Melo. Not much more to ask for from your superstar and it earns him the highest score for his efforts.