Grading Thunder Players After Saturday’s Loss to Houston

Best Thunder Bench Performance

Aaron Wiggins must be wondering what he has to do to earn consistent minutes. After averaging eight points and four rebounds per game during a six-game stretch between November 11th and November 21st, Aaron Wiggins received two straight DNP-CDs. He returned to the court on Saturday night to score 15 points on 5-10 shooting, including three, made three-pointers on six attempts. Sure, some of these points came during garbage time in the fourth quarter, but Wiggins still gets credit for hitting his shots on a night when made baskets were hard for the Thunder to come by.

Best Opponent Performance

The Thunder had a chance to draft Alperen Sengun in 2021 but chose instead to trade the pick to Houston for two future first-round picks. Sengun showed them what they were missing out on during a near triple-double explosion on Saturday night. Sengun scored 21 points on 10-17 shooting to go with 19 rebounds and seven assists. Six of his 19 rebounds came on the offensive end as he worked to extend possessions for the Rockets. Sengun was also a presence on the defensive end with three steals and two blocks. He received a standing ovation from Rockets fans when he fouled out of the game in the final minute.

Wrapping Up

With the loss, the Thunder falls to 8-12 as they head to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans on Monday evening. Six of the Thunder’s next seven games are on the road, with the lone exception being a date with the San Antonio Spurs at the Paycom Center next Wednesday evening (the 30th).