TULSA — Within the third preseason sport in 4 nights, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder dominated out a number of gamers towards the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers. This leveled the taking part in discipline between the 2 groups. The competition went from what was presupposed to be a simple win for OKC to a detailed, sweat-inducing sport.
In a back-and-forth affair, the short-handed Thunder used a robust second half to earn a 117-89 preseason victory over the Breakers.
Previous to the announcement, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault revealed that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins would sit out to relaxation. These are OKC’s prime 9 rotation gamers.
Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and Nikola Matter additionally sat out as a result of accidents. That left the Thunder with eight gamers. Trying extra just like the G League’s OKC Blue roster, OKC relied on these eight gamers to play heavy minutes.
It was a blistering begin for each groups. The Breakers had a 36-34 lead after the primary quarter. The Thunder tied it at 60 apiece at halftime.
After trailing for a lot of the sport, the Thunder’s 24-point third quarter helped them enter the ultimate quarter with an 84-76 lead. The Thunder opened every thing up within the remaining quarter with a 33-13 benefit. OKC cruised via the ultimate minutes to earn the 28-point victory.
The Thunder shot 53% from the sector and made 16 of 39 (41%) from 3. They’d 23 assists on 45 discipline targets. Six of the Thunder’s eight gamers scored double-digit factors.
Dillon Jones led the way in which with a double-double of 23 factors and 13 rebounds. Ousmane Dieng chipped in with a triple-double of almost 20 factors. Adam Flagler received off to a superb begin and scored 25 factors.
In the meantime, the Breakers shot 39 p.c from the sector and made 15 of 42 (35.7 p.c) from 3. They’d 18 assists on 32 discipline targets. Three Breakers gamers scored double-digit factors.
Matt Mooney had 19 factors and 7 rebounds. Parker Jackson-Cartwright had 16 factors and eight assists. Mojave King had 16 factors and 5 rebounds.
Total, it was an uneventful publicity. The Thunder began this efficiency in favor of resting their rotation gamers. Jones and Dieng stood out, nevertheless it’s tough to get a lot else out of this competitors given that almost all will probably be with the Blues this season.
Let’s take a look at the Thunder participant rankings:
Dillon Jones: One
With a number of gamers out, Jones had the prospect to reap the benefits of the additional reps. Just like his time in the summertime league, the 22-year-old confirmed out for all the fitting causes towards the Breakers.
Jones completed with 23 factors on 8-of-13 taking pictures, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. He crammed the stat sheet in 35 minutes. The ahead continues to indicate his versatility as a ball handler. A number of of his baskets went across the paint. Others have been easy dribbles towards defenders.
There’s not a lot we will take from this efficiency, nevertheless it’s optimistic to see Jones dominating non-NBA expertise. He took a better have a look at his model of Weber State as the first ball handler and excessive scoring possibility.
Ousmane Dieng: B+
It was a sluggish begin for Dieng towards his former group, however he completed robust to put up a close to triple-double. He completed with 20 factors on 7-of-16 taking pictures, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. He shot 3 of seven from 3 and made 3 of 5 from the free throw line.
Given the circumstances, it is no shock to see Dieng trying snug. He was a main ball handler, the same function he thrived in final yr with the Blues. The issue with the 21-year-old is adjusting to a decreased model of that function on the Thunder when absolutely wholesome.
The 21-year-old is coming into his most vital season. This will probably be his third yr, which implies it is now or by no means to supply to remain long run in OKC. The percentages are towards him, nevertheless it’s a step in the fitting course.
Adam Flagler: B+
Within the opening minutes, Flagler made 4 3-pointers. He had a blazing begin from the surface. As he did in Summer season League, the 24-year-old left every thing apart on the courtroom for a productive outing.
Flagler completed with 25 factors on 9-of-17 taking pictures and three rebounds in 35 minutes. He shot 5 of 10 from 3. His outdoors taking pictures is his bread and butter. The 2-way participant will doubtless begin with the Blues as soon as the season begins.
If Flagler generally is a productive outdoors shooter, he has an opportunity to forge a profession within the NBA. The three-point shot continues to be a scorching commodity within the league.
Léons Malevy: C
After being drafted by Bradley, the Leons had some intriguing bodily instruments that attracted the Thunder. He was added to their summer season league group and performed sometimes.
The 25-year-old drew his first pre-season begin towards the Breakers. He completed with 14 factors on 7-of-8 taking pictures, six rebounds and 4 steals in 34 minutes. The six-foot-nine ahead’s lengthy wingspan allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and end round defenders close to the rim.
He’s on an Exhibit 10 contract, he’ll most likely be signed on the Blue. Do not count on him to be on the Thunder this season since he performs behind the scenes within the G League.
Highlights:
This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: Participant Rankings: Dillon Jones leads Thunder to 117-89 win over Breakers
