LAC 91, OKC 105 – Player Grades: The Better Team Won

Nov 21, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a rare feat to see a team out-extra gear the Los Angeles Clippers. The Oklahoma City Thunder did just that in a 91-105 loss. Granted the Clips were on the second night of a back to back, the Thunder looked like the better team from top to bottom. Here are player games from the matchup.

Chris Paul – B-

17 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds

It’s hard one-upping a 16 point fourth quarter. His play against the Thunder was on par with his season, but he struggled knowing when to attack and when to facilitate. There were plenty flashes from CP3 on offense, but overall it just wasn’t enough. The good news is he extended his double-double streak to 13 games.

J.J. Redick – C-

8 points (1-6 3P), 3 rebounds, 2 steals

Easily Redick’s worst game of the season. When it mattered, Redick just couldn’t knock down a jump shot. And when that happens, the Clippers offense struggles as the biggest staple in this offense is the drive-and-kick. We’ll blame the back-to-back on him missing easy shots.

Jared Dudley – C

7 points (1-4 3P), 2 assists

Kevin Durant had his way with Jared and he was invisible on offense. Not a good start to his Clippers career.

Blake Griffin – A

27 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists

The man of the night. In the third quarter the Clippers scored 29 points. Blake Griffin was responsible for 15 of them showing his collection of movies rather it had been in the post, the mid-range jumper or in the fast break. The Clippers need more of Blake asserting his dominance on offense. Tonight was Blake’s sixth consecutive 20-10 game. The longest streak in his career was 14, occurring in the 2010-2011 season.

DeAndre Jordan – D

4 points, 12 rebounds

Like Redick, Jordan also had his worst game of the season. Playing against Kendrick Perkins and Steven Adams, this was the type of night you’d expect DAJ to be a step above the competition. For the first time all season, this felt like last year’s version of DeAndre Jordan.

Jamal Crawford – B

18 points (2-7 3P), 4 assists

It’s doubtful that writers and the media have really begun thinking on this, but Crawford has to be the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year right now. Despite missing several threes (as seen above in the stat line), without Crawford carrying the second unit offensively, this game is probably a blowout in the ugliest fashion.

Reggie Bullock – C

5 points (1-5 3P), 2 rebounds

When reality meets expectations. He’s being thrust into the battlefield due to Matt Barnes injuries and Willie Green being Willie Green and his play in last night’s game raised the bar a bit on how he should be graded. Offensively Bullock is struggling mightily, but he’s doing all the things you could ask out of a rookie on defense. Unfortunately he had to guard Kevin Durant.

Ryan Hollins – C

5 points, 4 rebounds

Fact: Ryan Hollins’ play has improved in the last few games of the season. Fact: Ryan Hollins wasn’t his terrible self tonight. Fact: Rya Hollins is playing key minutes on a potential contender. #nuffsaid

Darren Collison – F+

0 points (0-5 FG), 3 steals

#PRESEASONCOLLISON was a long, long time ago.

Byron Mullens – D

0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 blocks, 0 steals

Matt Barnes – INCOMPLETE

If you’ve missed the news, Barnes will miss the next two weeks with an eye injury. A huge blow to the perimeter defense.

Willie Green and Antawn Jamison – DNP