Westbrook, Thunder welcome Millsap, Hawks (Dec 19, 2016)
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Since coming over in a trade from Philadelphia, Jerami Grant has become Oklahoma City's version of a Swiss army knife. No matter what the job, the 6-foot-9, 210-pound Grant has the tools to handle it.
This was evident Saturday night during the Thunder's 114-101 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Grant knew he would be coming off the bench, but he had no idea at what position it would be until coach Billy Donovan told him as he went into the game.
"It's fine," Grant said. "You always have to be ready. You always have to be ready for whatever comes at you. Especially being in the position I'm in, being able to play different positions, you always have to be ready."
Against the Suns, he ended the night with eight points, five rebounds and a plus/minus of plus-11. That was tied for the second-highest on the team.
Grant has lined up as center, power forward, small forward and even some shooting guard. It takes a lot homework and study to make sure he has his positions down.
"You have to know everybody's tendencies, regardless of who is on the court," Grant said. "I think everybody should know everybody's tendencies. I watch a ton of basketball so I kind of know most people's tendencies in the league already. I watch a lot of film with the coaches and go through our scouting report."
The Thunder will need Grant in the same frame of mind Monday night, when they host Paul Millsap and the Atlanta Hawks (13-14) at 7 p.m. in the Chesapeake Energy Arena
Millsap is one of the more versatile power forwards in the NBA. He can score on the low block and also step out and hit 15-foot jumpers with consistency. He leads the Hawks with an average of 17 points is second in rebounds (eight) and assists (3.7).
Oklahoma City won the first matchup with the Hawks in Atlanta. They are expecting an even tougher test this time around, especially with the uncertainty of the injured Victor Oladipo playing.
"They are a physical team" Grant said. "I know they are going to come back and try and get us back."
Atlanta enters the contest coming off a loss to Charlotte Saturday. After the game, center Dwight Howard and point guard Dennis Schroder went directly to the practice court to hash out missed opportunities, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Schroder had six assists, but none led to points for Howard.
In his first season in Atlanta, Howard is posting solid numbers at 14.2 points and 13 boards a game. Yet, the Hawks find themselves hanging around .500 and haven't been able to break through yet.
"It's frustrating. We're all competitive," Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told Peachtreehoops. "We want to win. I'd say frustrated. Our guys are competing, guys are trying to make plays."
As with every team that comes into Oklahoma City, slowing down Russell Westbrook will have to be at the top of the list of things to do for the Hawks. But Westbrook showed with his career high 22 assists and 13th triple-double of the season on Saturday that he's not doing it alone. That is also evident on defensively.
"When we defend we put ourselves in position to win games. That has to be our identity," Westbrook said. "When we defend at a high level we usually have a good chance of winning the game."
