OKC Thunder historic comeback victory vs. Lakers – grades
OKC Thunder starting frontcourt grades:
Oklahoma City Thunder. LU DORT. A-. . G
I mean — in truth, I feel like giving them all “A”s just for how they battled in the comeback. Luguentz Dort doesn’t get the shine as often as he should because he’s using up so much energy to hold down the other team’s best player. The fact Westbrook had 10 turnovers can’t be overlooked and while they weren’t all created by Dort he had a hand in quite a few.
Offensively, he also contributed by taking advantage of the opportunities he was given. Dort finished with 17 points, six rebounds, a steal, and had the highest plus/minus of the starters (+11).
. PF. Oklahoma City Thunder. DARIUS BAZLEY. A
THIS is precisely the type of game Intentions had in mind when we earmarked Darius Bazley to have a breakout season. He did a bit of everything tonight including ticking off Westbrook at game end. In fairness to the Brodie that is kind of an unspoken rule in sports (you don’t try to score on the last shot when your team is up). The thing is he stole the ball and his momentum was driving him toward the basket.
Overall he delivered 20 points on 8 of 14 and 4 of 8 from deep, had six rebounds, two assists, four steals, and a block.
No doubt he’ll be a marked man in LA based on the end of the game and will be in tough if LeBron is back on the court. Still, kudos for a quality game — more of this please Baz!
C. Oklahoma City Thunder. DERRICK FAVORS. B+.
Back from his game off due to rest Favors demonstrated how the insertion of one vet on the court can provide a calming presence. He didn’t do too much — just enough to keep everyone dialed into what they needed to do to erase the deficit. Favors scored 15 points on a highly efficient 7 of 8 plus grabbed six rebounds.
That he was so good offensively underscores his effort on Anthony Davis who still scored 30 points with eight rebounds but in the second half, in particular, Favors held his own against him in the one-on-one matchups.