Grading the OKC Thunder bench:
Cason Wallace, G, OKC Thunder: A+
Shooting 1-of-5 and getting an A+ is unusual but warranted for the rookie. His defensive ability is his area of expertise, but Wallace made some big plays on the glass.
Well, as big as a few rebounds can be in a 62-point game. With six rebounds in the game, Wallace showed the effort he can bring fighting in an area that the Thunder have struggled in throughout the season.
Kenrich Williams, F, OKC Thunder: B
Williams made just one of his four shots on Thursday, but these simply are not the games for him to flourish.
Williams is built for the grind of playing tough opponents. Portland is not a tough opponent, to say the least.
It was a bit surprising that Williams played after resting in Atlanta last week in a game that was also the second night of a back-to-back.
Ousmane Dieng, F, OKC Thunder: B+
Dieng has spent plenty of time in the G League recently, and it appears to be helping. He finished with nine points and six rebounds against the Blazers.
As time progresses, the chance of him getting a meaningful role with the Thunder continues to decrease, but that door is far from shut.
He has length, is a solid defender and has an abundance of time to develop, considering his age. While becoming a contributor probably does not happen this season, he may be one good performance against a good team away from making that a reality.
Tre Mann, G, OKC Thunder: A
It’s been a while since Mann got extended playing time, but he showed he can contribute on Thursday.
With the Thunder’s guard rotation already stacked, his 11 points are not enough to secure him a spot in the lineup. However, it should be enough for him to get spot minutes at a higher rate.
Considering the instant offense he can provide, he’s a perfect guy to go to in games where the Thunder’s offense is stagnant.
Vasilije Micic, G, OKC Thunder: B-
Micic has shown throughout the season that he can provide a playmaking boost.
While he did not do much on Thursday, the rookie guard did enough to help the Thunder build the lead in the first half.
Isaiah Joe, G, OKC Thunder: C
Joe barely played in the big win, and he was one of only two Thunder players who saw the court and did not score.
Aaron Wiggins, G, OKC Thunder: C-
Wiggins also barely played and finished scoreless. However, he gets a lower grade for not finishing off some phenomenal ball movement for a highlight.
Lindy Waters III, G, OKC Thunder: B
The two-way sharpshooter delivered in garbage time.
Waters nailed a couple of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and showed why coach Mark Daigneault trusts him over other players in certain situations.
Keyontae Johnson, F, OKC Thunder: A
The Thunder’s young two-way forward got his first extended NBA action in the blowout.
Johnson played well and gave the Thunder a good look at how he could perform at the NBA level. While his stats were nothing special, Johnson was able to hold his own and could be an option in the future.
Jaylin Williams, C, OKC Thunder: A
Williams played garbage time in the big win and played well.
Nailing shots from outside and grabbing rebounds, the second-year big man has been an excellent piece for the Thunder this season. It was also especially valuable to have someone with his experience out there with guys like Johnson with the game out of reach.