OKC's two first round picks show flashes in preseason action

With the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams as a late scratch, there were gonna be plenty of opportunities and minutes up for grabs for OKC.

We got to see our first preseason action for this Thunder team, but more specifically for rookies Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz, who both showed flashes of why OKC selected them in the draft.

Mara dropped 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks in 18 minutes on 100% shooting and didn't play the second half.

Stirtz started out hot, making his first three 3s, and finished the night with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 67% shooting before he turned his ankle late in the game and didn't return.

Obviously, we hope Stirtz is alright. I would be shocked if he played tomorrow, with the Thunder likely taking the most cautious path possible, but either way it was good to see the team back in action again and, more specifically, to see those two rookies get off to some good starts in their preseason debuts.