Thunder defeat Spurs in preseason opener; OKC young core looks very promising

Brody Bitters

Thunder defeat Spurs in preseason opener; OKC young core looks very promising image

Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

With the first official Oklahoma City Thunder preseason completed, the Thunder kicked it off by becoming 1-0 as they beat the Spurs 112-107.

Leading the charge for the Thunder was none other than Jalen Williams. Despite only playing 17 total minutes, JDub finished the game with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists while shooting 75% from three. Closely behind was Chet Homlgren, who only had ten points, but shot a perfect five-for-five from the field.

And while it was no surprise that those two guys were going to play great, what no one expected was the Thunder rookies. 

As the 26th overall pick in the 2025 Draft, Weber State product Dillon Jones had an outstanding NBA appearance. With 17 points, five rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes, Jones was as efficient as any player can be. Whatever the coaching staff asked of him, Jones executed to a tee.

It wasn't just Jones either. Ajay Mitchell, who was selected 38th overall by the Thunder out of UC Santa Barbara, had an equally spectacular night. Putting up 19 points, two assists and two rebounds, the young guard showed a ton of promise with his skill set.

As for new additions Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, their minutes were limited. However, they displayed their importance and impact for this Thunder team. From the defensive tenacity to making the 'hustle' plays, Hartenstein and Caruso proved they are going to be vital pieces for the Thunder's success.

The next Thunder preseason game takes place on Thursday, October 9, in OKC against the Houston Rockets at 7:00 PM CDT and on NBA TV as well as Bally Sports Oklahoma.

 

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Brody Bitters

Brody Bitters Photo

Brody Bitters is a graduate from Butler University, where he studied Sports Media and Strategic Communications for four years. Brody previously worked as a sports reporter in Zanesville, Ohio, where he covered all things athletics from high school football, baseball, and track & field to the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Brody played basketball, football, and soccer and is a diehard Buckeye. Moreover, Brody is a massive fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Broncos, which appear random on paper, but have very specific and unique backstories.