Of their first outing since April of 2022, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are again. They took on the Denver Nuggets of their first preseason sport, successful 112-101.
The win offers the Thunder a pleasant begin to the brand new season, and a few hope to sit up for the season. Coming off two dropping seasons – and one other potential dropping season forward of them – a win to start out the brand new period ought to really feel refreshing.
The Thunder began the sport off going back-and-forth with the Nuggets’ starters, after which stormed for a double-digit lead early within the second quarter. They misplaced their lead late within the half and early within the third quarter, however they re-gained their lead late within the third quarter and by no means regarded again.
The win occurred with out the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (MCL Sprain) and Lu Dort (Concussion Protocol), which left Josh Giddey as the most important affect participant on the crew. He completed with 14 factors, 12 rebounds and 9 assists in 25 minutes as he practically picked up a triple-double in his first outing of the season.
One essential be aware about Giddey’s sport was his two three-pointers made. His first made three-pointer was a pull up off the dribble, whereas the following was a transition three. In fact his soar shot has extra work to be carried out, and solely minor tweaks have been made but it surely appears to have been a great begin for the Chip Engelland period.
One participant who stood out specifically for the Thunder coming into coaching camp was Tre Mann. There was buzz round him taking a step ahead and constructing muscle, and he confirmed that as he led the Thunder in scoring with 17 factors on 6-for-11 scoring. Thunder followers can sigh a sigh of aid after Mann struggled as soon as once more within the Summer time League.
Talking of capturing, Aaron Wiggins, former second spherical choose, shot 4-for-4 on three-pointers. Wiggins confirmed a touch of effectivity through the Las Vegas portion of Summer time League, so him capturing nicely now could be much less stunning.
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Darius Bazley is a reputation talked about typically when speaking about gamers that have to have a great season, because it’s virtually time for Bazley to ink a possible contract extension. Bazley got here off the bench primarily because the backup middle behind Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. This association appears to be non permanent, as Chet Holmgren would be the consensus starter when he comes again.
Aleksej Pokusevski, who introduced in hype after gaining 20 kilos within the offseason, appeared to be a non-factor with solely 5 factors and 6 rebounds.
Jalen Williams and Ousmane Dieng each regarded higher than they did within the Summer time League, which is an effective signal forward of the season. Jaylin Williams additionally set some stable screens and performed massive for the Thunder, which may assist fill the void of Holmgren.
Mike Muscala didn’t journey with the crew as a consequence of a sprained ankle.
The remainder of the second unit performed comparatively stable, as they held onto the lead late within the sport. As a squad, the Thunder shot just below 50% from the sphere and round 37% from the three-point line.
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