As Paul George and Steven Adams led the Thunder to a win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, it was Jerami Grant that also played a key role in helping OKC to a much-needed win.
Grant recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks in the 107-99 win. He tied a career-high with five made 3-pointers in the contest that he previously set last week.
The fifth-year forward is often not a talking point for the Thunder behind superstars like George and Russell Westbrook but his rise this season has been huge for the team.
He has developed into a versatile player that can guard multiple positions and can play on both ends of the floor. He is one of just three players in the NBA this season with more than 80 3-pointers and 80 blocks (Karl-Anthony Towns, Brook Lopez).
Since the All-Star break, Grant is averaging 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks while he is shooting 42.9 percent from 3-point range for the Thunder.
For George, his play isn’t anything new.
I’ve been preaching: He’s the X-factor. He’s one of the most versatile guys. He made a big jump. I think it’s more so just his confidence in the game. It definitely makes the game easier offensively and defensively when he is locked in spreading the floor and just finish around the rim.
The Thunder trailed the Grizzlies by 10 points just minutes into the third quarter on Wednesday but sparked a 24-0 run to take the lead for good as Grant played a key role in that run. He knocked down two big 3-pointers in that quarter and had two key blocks as well.
After struggling for much of the past month, the Thunder will need everyone ready for the playoffs next month, including Grant. With every player locked in and ready, the Thunder could prove once again to be a tough opponent come playoff time.
