What Stood Out in Thunder’s Latest Preseason Game ?

The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t come away with a win Monday night, but that wasn’t necessarily the most important part of their preseason matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.

With several of their regular rotation players sitting out, the Thunder had another chance to see what their younger guys could do with more responsibility. Bennett Stirtz made the most of his opportunity offensively, finishing with a team-high 26 points, while fellow rookie Aday Mara continued to show why there is reason to be excited about his development.

Oklahoma City ultimately fell 113-110, but performances like these are exactly what the preseason is for. The coaching staff is still figuring out what it has in some of its younger players and who might be ready to contribute when the regular season gets underway.

Stirtz has given the Thunder plenty to like so far, especially when it comes to putting the ball in the basket. His 26 point performance against Atlanta was another example of what he can do when given the opportunity to be more involved offensively.

However, scoring is only going to get him so far in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder have built their identity around defense, and that’s not something that will change just because a young player can score. Stirtz is going to have to get better on that end of the floor if he wants to earn consistent playing time.

There is a lot of competition for minutes in Oklahoma City’s backcourt. Stirtz isn’t just trying to prove he can score against NBA competition. He also has to show that he can defend, stay in front of his matchup, and fit into what the Thunder want to do on that end of the floor.

His offensive ability is encouraging, but the defensive side of his game could ultimately determine how much he plays once the games start counting.

Mara gave Oklahoma City another reason to feel good about its rookie class. The young center finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and 4 blocks showing that his game offers more than just size around the basket.

His passing is particularly interesting. Mara has the size to be a presence inside, but he also appears comfortable finding teammates when the defense gives him an opportunity. That could become an important part of his game as he gets more comfortable with the pace and physicality of the NBA.

For a team that already has plenty of offensive firepower, having a big man who can make plays for others is an added bonus. Mara still has plenty to learn, but his ability to impact the game without having to score every time he touches the ball is something worth watching.

Monday’s loss wasn’t ideal, but the final score doesn’t tell the entire story. The Thunder were without several key players, giving younger guys the chance to play through mistakes, take on bigger roles, and show the coaching staff what they can do.

That’s valuable at this point in the preseason.

Stirtz showed he can provide a scoring punch, while Mara continued to display the versatility that makes him an intriguing prospect. Neither player has everything figured out, but that’s part of the process.

Oklahoma City already knows what its established stars bring to the table. Now, it’s about finding out which young players can be trusted when their number is called.

Stirtz is making a case for himself offensively. If he can make similar progress on defense, his chances of earning a bigger role will only improve. Mara, meanwhile, is showing that his contributions could go well beyond the paint.

The Thunder may have lost Monday night, but they left Atlanta with more information about two young players who could become important pieces of their future.