The Oklahoma City Thunder made sure to not make the same mistake the Phoenix Suns did by starting out strong against the NBL’s Adelaide 36ers in a 33-point loss, 131-98.
The Thunder led the entire way with a lead as large as 40 points.
This game marked the first time Josh Giddey played his first game against his former NBL team since being drafted by the Thunder sixth overall in the 2021 NBA draft.
But the star of the game was Tre Mann — who continues to impress in the preseason after spending all offseason long gaining muscle. Mann scored 26 points and shot 8-of-10 from deep.
Let’s take a look at player grades in the Thunder’s dominating preseason win over the 36ers.
Tre Mann: A+
(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The Tre Mann hype continues to grow — and with performances like these, it’s definitely warranted.
Mann was the best player on the court tonight as he finished with 26 points that included going 8-of-10 from deep in just 24 minutes. The eight made three-pointers came in a variety of ways and were mostly self-created.
Mann gained 12 pounds over the offseason and has looked like a player who is ready to take a second-year leap — which is especially crucial if the Thunder are to start the season with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
“I think what you saw tonight was a combination of his experience and the work he put into the summer,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault.
Eugene Omoruyi: A
(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
This was Eugene Omoruyi’s best game preseason game thus far. In 28 minutes, Omoruyi finished with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting.
The 25-year-old has had a solid preseason so far after being a question mark all offseason long when the Thunder signed him onto a two-way deal.
The Thunder received some criticism over the offseason due to signing a 25-year-old relative unknown to one of their two two-way spots that could be used to bring in someone younger with some higher upside, but Omoruyi has silenced doubters so far by using his massive frame to finish underneath the basket.
“He reminds me of Dort and Kenrich and those types of guys,” said Daigneault.
Lindy Waters III: A
(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
This was the night of the two-way players for the Thunder as Lindy Waters III scored 23 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting.
12 of those points and four of those made three-pointers came in the fourth quarter with the game well decided, but that shouldn’t take away from his impressive shooting display.
