What Can Be Taken From Preseason Performances?

Preseason games are never about the final score. They’re about getting a feel for what a team is going to look like when the games actually matter and for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wednesday night’s 128-126 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks provided plenty to take away.

There were stretches where the Thunder looked like the team that won 64 games last season, and there were also moments that showed there is still plenty to figure out with a roster that has undergone some changes. But the latter could be taken with a grain of salt with guys still being out due to injury. 

But three things stood out more than anything else.

The Thunder played fast

From the beginning, Oklahoma City seemed determined to push the ball.

There wasn’t much standing around. The Thunder were getting the ball up the floor quickly, moving it from side to side and attacking before Milwaukee had a chance to get completely comfortable defensively.

That pace helped Oklahoma City put up 44 points in the first quarter and 38 more in the second.

Obviously, nobody is going to get too excited about a big first half in October but the way the Thunder got those points was more important than the number itself. When Oklahoma City plays fast and doesn’t allow the defense to get set, there are simply too many players capable of making something happen.

That could become one of the team’s biggest strengths again this season.

The rookies continue to give the Thunder something to think about

Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz both looked comfortable again, which is becoming one of the more interesting storylines of the preseason.

Mara showed in the opener that he wasn’t afraid of the moment and followed that up by finishing with 22 points on 10-10 from the floor, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a block in the preseason home opener. Stirtz was just as good with his 20 points and five rebounds while shooting 6-11 from the field. 

The numbers are nice, but it’s the way both players are playing that stands out.

Mara doesn’t look like a young big trying to figure out where he belongs. He’s using his size, making the right reads and playing with confidence around the basket.

Stirtz has looked comfortable playing alongside NBA players without trying to do too much. He’s making quick decisions, knocking down shots and finding ways to impact the game even when he doesn’t have the ball.

Neither rookie is guaranteed a major role once the regular season starts, but they’re making the coaching staff’s decisions a little more difficult.

And that’s exactly what you want from young players in preseason.

Jalen Williams looked like Jalen Williams again

After sitting out the Thunder’s first preseason game, Williams was back on the floor Wednesday and immediately looked more like himself.

There wasn’t anything overly complicated about it. He was attacking, making plays and moving around the floor with the same confidence Thunder fans have become accustomed to seeing.

That’s important for Oklahoma City.

Williams missed a significant portion of last season, so getting him back into a rhythm before the regular season is one of the biggest things to watch during these preseason games.

Wednesday was a good step. He didn’t need to put on a show. He just needed to look comfortable.

And he did.

The Thunder still have plenty of things to clean up before the regular season begins. That’s what preseason is for.

But between the pace, the continued emergence of Mara and Stirtz and Williams looking like himself again, there was enough to walk away from Wednesday night feeling pretty good about where this team is headed.