FINAL: OKC 95 | UTAH 85
Summer League is here, and the Oklahoma City Thunder let it be known that with their current roster, they can win the Summer League title in a couple of weeks. While they still may win it all, something tells me we’ll start seeing some of the high performers on the sideline spectating instead of playing.
Jalen Williams is one of those guys that we shouldn’t expect to see much in the Summer League. He was the best player from the tip for OKC, scoring 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 3-of-5 from three in 21 minutes.
Criticism was headed Chet Holmgren’s way after 10 minutes on the court, where he looked out of sorts. He quickly silenced the naysayers, scoring 10 points in the third quarter en route to 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks in 28 minutes.
It was actually pretty clear how impactful Holmgren will be once he gets reacclimated to playing in a real game. His ability to rack up points, rebounds, and blocks is an attribute that I think we’re starting to take his skillset for granted because of the hype Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson deservedly warrant.
I’ll just say one thing: there’s a reason Holmgren has the third-best odds to win Rookie of the Year this season.
Tre Mann, a player entering his third NBA season, is coming off a lackluster sophomore-year performance after averaging 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 39.3% shooting and 31.5% from 3. First of all, second-year slumps happen all the time and are almost expected. Mann had a promising rookie year, and I think (based on his body language in the exit interviews and conversations I’ve had with him) that he took his poor season personally and really plans to improve in year three.
Mann looked like he belonged in the NBA on Monday, as he was head over heels better than everyone else, scoring 20 points on 7-15 shooting and seven rebounds. He also had the dunk of the night.
That being said, Utah made the game interesting in the fourth quarter, but OKC prevailed.
Oklahoma City’s next game will be Wednesday at 6 PM against the Memphis Grizzlies.
