OKC’s Thunder’s January came to an end in San Antonio on Tuesday night as they fell short by a score of 108-94. The Thunder’s woes were the same as they were in Cleveland, namely, without Enes Kanter, this team has no consistent offensive production and in this game the bench was equally bad defensively. OKC led at 81-78, but once Russell Westbrook left the floor the game got away from the Thunder and turned into an easy win for the Spurs.
Westbrook’s line was 27 points, 6 rebounds, 14 assists, and a +8. Steven Adams was solid with a 16 point, 12 rebound double double. Oladipo scored 15 points while adding 4 assists and 4 steals. Anthony Morrow added 11 points, but didn’t have an efficient shooting night. Perhaps, Domas Sabonis was the bright spot of the night recording the second double double in his rookie season.
The above are the positives. The negatives were the rest of the team. Enes Kanter didn’t play because he’s sidelined after breaking his own arm. Alex Abrines couldn’t ‘go’ because of back spasms. Andre Roberson was ineffective scoring one point and going -18.Cam Payne scored two points and was -28 To date, Payne has been a massive underachiever since his return from his foot injury.Jerami Grant and Joffery Lauvergne both struggled.
The good news is January is in the rear view mirror and OKC’s 7-8 mark in and of itself isn’t a disaster. The same can’t be said for OKC’s bench though. It’s been awful without Kanter. Of OKC’s eleven games in February, nine are at home, two on the road. Perhaps, with all these home games some of the Thunder’s role players can get their act together. I’d give Collison some minutes and see if he can have a calming effect on some of these guys. Cam Payne looks lost. Jerami Grant’s game regressed during the month. Lauvergne was up and down. Abrines needs to be a double figures scorer every night. Andre Roberson can’t have these nights where he no makes no impact on the game. But most of all Cam Payne needs show why Sam Presti drafted him. With all these home games in February it’s time to see if Cam Payne has some real tangible worth to this team. But more than just Payne, it’s time for Sam Presti’s bench to step up.