OKC Thunder player grades: Thunder finish 2021 with win over short-handed Knicks

As discussed in the preview post for this game, I thought the difference will be whether or not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would play. Well, it looks like that was the case in this win as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the shorthanded New York Knicks, 95-80.

The Thunder were able to win this game behind its hot three-point shooting as the team went 18-of-43 (41.9%). Heading into this game, the Thunder were dead last in the entire NBA in team three-point percentage at 31%. This marked the 17th time in Thunder history that the team made at least 18 threes in a single game, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Schlecht.

Despite the fact that the Knicks were missing Kemba Walker and Julius Randle, the Thunder’s defense should also receive a ton of credit for this win as it held the Knicks to 31 second-half points. The Knicks only had one quarter scoring more than 20 points — the second quarter with points — and nobody outside of RJ Barrett was really able to score the ball.

Overall, just a nice win for the team as they welcomed back Gilgeous-Alexander after missing the Phoenix Suns game last minute due to ankle soreness.

Let’s take a look at player grades:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: B+

Gilgeous-Alexander made his return after a one game absence with 23 points on 9-of-24 shooting. For the amount of drives and contact Gilgeous-Alexander faced this game, it is a little bit surprising that he only took four trips to the free throw line, going 3-of-4. Nonetheless, Gilgeous-Alexander was able to get whatever he wanted in his drives as the Knicks had no true rim protection this game and that results in some pretty finishes around the rim.

But even with the poor shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact was clearly felt as he was the leading scorer for the Thunder in a 15-point win against the Knicks.

On the injury front, Gilgeous-Alexander said his ankle felt better after missing the last game due to it and that it was the same ankle he dealt with a few weeks ago. He also said that the pain popped back up before the Suns game and that’s what caused him to be ruled out so late before tipoff.

Aaron Wiggins: A

Wiggins just continues to impress and has really taken advantage of the opportunities given to him. In this game, the second-round rookie finished with 13 points and four rebounds in another start.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Thunder do with Wiggins once all of the players clear the health and safety protocols. Personally, I think Wiggins has earned a starting job and the team should give him a chance to lose his spot. Wiggins has played well in too many consecutive games to ruin that mojo and it would be a disservice to not let the 55th-overall-pick play his way in or out of the starting lineup in a rebuilding season where player development is the top priority.

Kenrich Williams: B+

Williams continues to prove why he is the Thunder’s most consistent players and valuable bench piece with another great overall performance. Williams finished with eight points, seven rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes. This type of production from a veteran rotation player on a cheap contract is exactly the type of player contenders should be calling for before the NBA trade deadline this season. Williams continues to be a stabilizing presence for the young Thunder.

Lu Dort: D

This was another poor shooting game for Dort as he scored just six points on 2-of-12 shooting. I’m sure it’s just a shooting slump and it hasn’t gotten to a point of serious concern. but if Dort is going to continue to improve at the rate he is, then expectations for him should as well. And this game was not a good offensive game for the 22-year-old.

But even with all that said, Dort did have one nice highlight in an otherwise forgettable game for him.

Mike Wilks: A+

Lastly, with Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault most likely coming off health and safety protocols before the Thunder’s next game, interim head coach Mike Wilks deserves a shoutout for the job he did this week. Especially in this game’s case as he won his first game of his career. The win will technically fall under Daigneault’s record, but the team celebrated as it was Wilks’ win as they fired the former player with water following the win.

From all accounts, Wilks did a great job this week and gave the entire coaching staff credit for stepping up with Daigneault’s absence. Making that type of adjustment on basically no notice should not be slept on and Wilks definitely deserves his flowers for stepping up this week.

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