On Thursday night, Oklahoma City ran out of steam and lost to the Pistons in the team’s second preseason game. The Thunder’s starters, however, blew the Pistons starters out of the water and showcased just how good Oklahoma City could be as a team.
The Thunder’s entire young core excelled in Montréal, with hometown hero Lu Dort leading the way. Dort poured in 24 points in 24 minutes on 8-of-12 shooting for his local fans. Jalen Williams was solid, adding 17 points and three steals, while Chet Holmgren chipped in 16 points and three blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points and missed just one field goal attempt in his first preseason action, and Ousmane Dieng added 14 points in 21 minutes
Every single player in Oklahoma City’s available lineup displayed flashes of promise, and the team’s talented core showed what it could truly be. After the game, Pistons new head coach Monty Williams gave his full respect to the young Thunder team — and it’s high praise coming from a coach like him. “The West is loaded, and this team is one of the best in the West,” Williams told Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman.
Williams has been all over the NBA in different coaching roles, including a stop in Oklahoma City. Most recently, he was the head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who were one the best teams in the entire NBA a season ago. After things didn’t work out, he took a record-setting deal with the Pistons to help turn the team around. He’s been on staff for a handful of unbelievable basketball teams and called the Thunder one of the best teams in the West. The West is a gauntlet this season, and good teams are going to get left out, which makes it that much more meaningful that Williams went out of his way to compliment Oklahoma City in a big way like this.
This Thunder team is still growing, but once the group reaches its full potential, it could be extremely special. The talent is there, and the chemistry and fit will be everything moving forward.
