Game Grades: OKC Thunder dominate the Jazz for an easy win

Grading the OKC Thunder starters:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, OKC Thunder: A

This was simply a game where a superstar took care of business.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder in scoring with 30, shooting an efficient 12-of-17 from the floor. And with his hard work in the first three quarters, he got to take in the entire fourth quarter from the sideline.

Amid his tough finishes and dominant scoring night, he found ways to share the love. Gilgeous-Alexander found his teammates for easy buckets to give him seven assists against Utah.

The league leader in steals continued to have his way defensively, adding another three to his total.

Cason Wallace, G, OKC Thunder: B

Without Lu Dort, the Thunder rookie made his fifth career start. Considering that he blocked Jordan Clarkson’s jumper just before halftime, the Thunder adjusted rather seamlessly.

Wallace got a lucky bounce on one of his two 3-pointers on Monday. 

The rookie’s night ended with two blocks and a steal as he helped the Thunder to their great start.

Josh Giddey, F, OKC Thunder: A

The Thunder got a solid all-around game from their third-year starter. 

A few third-quarter dimes helped him get back to his playmaking roots with eight assists on the night. Giddey also made two open 3-pointers to help Oklahoma City’s hot shooting night.

With his eight assists, he finished just two shy of a triple-double. Giddey scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. He also finished with a block and a steal.

Jalen Williams, F, OKC Thunder: B+

You win some, you lose some. You make some, you get blocked some.

The Thunder’s second-year phenom threw down a dunk running through the lane in the third quarter off a nice feed from Giddey. But he followed that a few plays later by trying one in transition, getting blocked by Simone Fontecchio.

As it would turn out, the Thunder were not hurt by that miss. Williams finished with 15 points on 50% shooting. He added three assists and rebounds in the big win.

Chet Holmgren, C, OKC Thunder:  B+

It’s hard to explain how well Holmgren fits with the Thunder, but it shows clearly in how he impacts the scoreboard. He finished with 16 points, shooting 6-of-9 from the floor.

The rookie star also had eight rebounds, a couple of blocks and a steal. Holmgren had a good overall night on both ends against a Jazz team missing their starting frontcourt.

Including nailing some open threes and throwing down an alley-oop, Holmgren showed some of what he can bring on a nightly basis.