Oklahoma City wrapped up its Summer League session with a 98-94 loss to the Spurs on Sunday afternoon, and the team looked much different than it did on opening night. The Thunder’s top players over the first week, namely Chet Holmgren and Tre Mann, missed the last few games allowing the young guys to step in and take over.
With Oklahoma City out of Vegas championship contention, the team opted to try different lineups and give new faces a chance. The Thunder fought hard, but couldn’t overcome San Antonio’s 48-to-33 difference on the glass, as the team got dominated in the paint.
Overall, it was a solid few weeks — both in Salt Lake City and Vegas. There were many positives for the team to take away, and many players took a big step.
Here’s who led the Thunder in the final game of Summer League:
Jared Butler
Butler saved his best performance for last. He poured in 31 points, four rebounds and three steals on 10-of-19 shooting. Butler scored from all three levels too, knocking down five 3-pointers on nine tries.
The former Baylor point guard was one of Oklahoma City’s most consistent players all summer long, suiting up in nearly every single game and shooting the ball with unmatched confidence. When the Thunder needed a bucket, Butler always seemed to be the answer. His shooting and playmaking make him a valuable addition for any team, and will likely prompt the Thunder to keep him around in some shape or form. It was another solid performance for Butler, who finished his Summer League stretch on the highest of notes.
Cason Wallace
Oklahoma City’s No. 10 pick has impressed behind his ability to shoot from long range this summer. On Sunday, his 3-point shot was once again on display along with his aggressive defense on the other end of the floor.
Overall, Wallace added 13 points, three rebounds and three steals. He went 3-of-6 from downtown and 4-of-10 from the floor in 26 minutes. It was a solid Vegas session for the Kentucky guard, who wasn’t able to practice or prepare with the team until the trade went through on July 6th. He had to adjust on the fly and mesh with a team that had already played games together.
On the Thunder, he’ll get better looks alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. His defense and transition talent will truly shine in the Thunder’s young lineup.
Ousmane Dieng
Dieng has shown every aspect of his potential this summer. He’s scored from all three levels and displayed the aggression the Thunder really wanted to see. Sunday, his shot wasn’t falling at a high clip, but he found other ways to impact the game.
The hybrid forward turned into a distributor, dishing out six assists to go along with eight points and four rebounds. He shot just 3-of-11 from the floor but managed to have a positive impact on both sides of the court. Out of every Thunder prospect participating in Summer League, Dieng might’ve been the biggest stock riser of them all.
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