Dion Waiters had an inauspicious debut with the Thunder, going 1-9 from the field including three three-point misses in a blowout loss in Sacramento, prompting concerns about how he would adjust to his new surroundings. It didn't took him long to showcase the talent that made him a top five pick and piqued the Thunder's interest by scoring 15 points and getting four steals in the Oklahoma City's narrow win over the Utah Jazz on Friday.
Dion Waiters shines in home debut for the Thunder
Dion Waiters made a positive impact on his first time playing in front of the Oklahoma City crowd.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant said the Thunder would "make Waiters feel wanted" and coach Scott Brooks did just that by making him the first guard off the bench in place of usual sixth man Reggie Jackson. Waiters repaid the vote of confidence by scoring eight first-quarter points and playing tenacious defense, best illustrated by the two consecutive steals he got in the period. After that great start of the game, Waiters faded and his impact was limited. Yet he still managed to make the play of the night for Oklahoma City, as he hit a huge three-point shot -- his only make from outside for the night -- with 23 second to go and the Thunder only up one.
Waiters closed the game at shooting guard next to Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka and Adams. It’s just one night -- and one in which Reggie Jackson struggled mightily -- but that might be the Thunder’s closing lineup for now on. The trade was billed as GM Sam Presti getting insurance for Jackson in case he got too rich for Oklahoma City’s money in the offseason but it’s having immediate repercussions on his role in the team, if the Jazz game is any indication. Considering Jackson has been vocal about his desire to start and run a team, it’s hard to see him happily accept a reduced role in a contract year, so the Thunder’s locker room situation will be something to monitor going forward.
For now, Oklahoma City is surely happy with the addition of Waiters. In his post game remarks, Scott Brooks said he “set the tone” on defense and that “he’s a better than what (he’d) expected on that end, according to The Oklahoman. Waiters also looks happy with the change of scenery, saying after the game: “It’s fun playing that way, getting the crowd involved. Fans are amazing already. I feel the love.” Both parties are in the honeymoon stage and Waiters’ performance on Friday ensured that will continue to be the case for a while longer.
★★★
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