Grading Thunder players in exciting win over Bulls
A-. . G. Oklahoma City Thunder. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
It’s crazy that a silent night for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 21 points and six assists on 50 percent from the field. Although SGA didn’t have a scoring outburst of 30 or more points like we’re used to, his defense was elite. He was very active on defense, notching four steals and two blocks on the night. Shai always finds a way to make an impact.
G. Oklahoma City Thunder. JOSH GIDDEY. A.
Giddey matched a season-high 25 points with his performance in this game. He hauled in 10 rebounds and dished out six assists. He even swatted two shots on the night. This marks Giddey’s sixth 20-point game in his last nine. He continues to improve in every aspect of his game each and every time he steps on the court.
G/F. Oklahoma City Thunder. LUGUENTZ DORT. X.
Although it wasn’t Lu Dort’s best offensive night, scoring 11 points and shooting just 1-of-5 from three, he caused Zach Lavine a ton of problems defensively. Lavine was just 5-for-19 from the field and only hitting one of his eight three-point attempts. Even when Dort struggles on offense, you can always count on him to get stops.
F. Oklahoma City Thunder. JALEN WILLIAMS. A.
Jalen Williams has been excellent for the Thunder all season and this was easily one of the best games of his young career so far. He scored 22 points on an incredibly efficient 10-of-12 from the field. He’s always active off-ball and is insanely effective when cutting to the basket. JDub’s aggressiveness at the basket kept OKC in the game at times. His growing confidence is exciting to see.
. C. Oklahoma City Thunder. MIKE MUSCALA. D+
Mike Muscala has been a very reliable piece for OKC this season. The veteran comes off the bench and provides great floor spacing and shooting. However, in this game, he failed to convert on many of his three-point attempts. Shooting just 2-of-9 from three, Muscala was not the sharpshooter we know him as in this game.