Stiles Points: Gordon Hayward’s Performance Might Signal a Turning Point

Gordon Hayward turned in his best game as a member of the Thunder on Wednesday and might be turning the corner at the right time.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) traded for Gordon Hayward at the NBA Trade Deadline to serve as a steady-handed bench scorer that provides postseason experience to a young squad. The Thunder have watched Hayward get off to a bit of a rocky start in Bricktown. 

While Hayward has been surprisingly good within the team's defensive concept since joining the Thunder, his lack of aggression on the offensive end has at times bogged down Oklahoma City’s scoring attack. 

As the NBA veteran circled the ring like a prize fighter waiting to strike, Hayward might’ve found his offensive punch against Houston. 

The Thunder forward posted a Thunder career-high 11 points in the first half of action by being a willing shooter and playing strong off the catch leading to two trips to the charity stripe off of hard downhill attacks. 

Hayward finished with 13 points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal while shooting 3-for-3 from 3-point land, posting 57 percent from the floor. While this was a rare game that the defensive end hindered the veteran due to the Rockets downsizing athletic lineups, Hayward certainly played his best offensive game. 

Hayward turning the corner would be big for the Thunder entering the postseason as Oklahoma City could always benefit from an additional scoring punch.

Stiles Points: 

• Josh Giddey posted a season-high 31 points, which ties a career-best mark. Giddey has continued to build on a phenomenal week. Giddey was able to get to the basket and dominate inside against a big-less Rockets squad. 
• After a DNP-CD Tuesday, Aaron Wiggins made a massive impact for the Thunder against the Rockets going for 16 points via two triples and a few scrappy put-backs around the ring. 
• Isaiah Joe pulled off one of the best dunks of the season, posterizing Jeff Green during a 2-on-1 fastbreak. Joe had 17 points and got back on track beyond the arc shooting 4-for-6.
• Chet Holmgren fouled out of this contest after 18 minutes. His three blocks prior to disqualification helped flip a few possessions but the rookie lacked overall impact in this game. 
• The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder each sit a half-game back of first place in the Western Conference with the Thunder owning the tiebreaker over the Nuggets and Timberwolves. 
• Olivier Sarr posted 22 points and 26 rebounds for the OKC Blue Wednesday afternoon.

Song of the Day:Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas.

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