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SALT LAKE CITY — Dillon Jones and the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a convincing win yesterday versus the Utah Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League, winning 98-75.
After losing the opening game of the three-day showcase, the Thunder came out of the gates on fire versus the Jazz.
Thunder’s Young Stars Impress in Decisive Win Against Jazz
A big crowd in Salt Lake City showed up for their hometown Jazz. However, the Thunder’s young pros proved the lights weren’t too bright for them. The energetic fans watched as the Thunder displayed their skill and poise on the court.
In the opening quarter, Dillon Jones and Ousmane Dieng combined for 19 points to jumpstart the route for the Thunder.
That led the way for them throughout the game, as they demolished the Jazz en-route to a 23-point victory.
Jones, who was a first-round pick out of Weber State in last month’s draft, has raised a few eyes in the first two games. He had a game-high 21 points in the win, and his ability to shoot, create and rebound has Thunder fans excited about his role with the team this season.
Dieng, who spent most of last year in the G-League, has always been a Thunder fan favorite. In addition, his point-forward ability, along with his versatility to guard one through five, allows him to be plugged in with any rotation.
Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, and Taylor Hendricks all didn’t play on a coach’s decision in the game. This allowed Kenneth Lofton Jr. to lead the way for the Jazz, as he scored a team-high 18 points.
As they gear up to face the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game of the SLC Summer League, they have two days to prepare. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Summer League starts on July 12.
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Thunder’s Player Development Strategy on Display in Summer League
The Thunder’s summer league roster boasts several intriguing players, including Jones, Dieng, Ajay Mithchell, and Adam Flagler. Moreover, these athletes accumulated significant experience at high levels in both the professional leagues and the G-League over the past few years. The Thunder also have NCAA Tournament phenom Jack Gholke on the roster, which should attract some eyes.
With their experience, the team should fare well against the rest of the summer league teams going forward.
As an organization, OKC values player development and exponential internal growth. They have been known to have one of the best developmental programs in all of the NBA, compiling draft picks to select young players and let them develop within. It will be exciting to see who stands out in the last game, and in Vegas, for the rest of the summer league games.