The Oklahoma City Thunder concluded their Salt Lake City Summer League appearance with a defeat, falling 86-82 to an undefeated Utah Jazz team. Utah's victory was largely fueled by strong performances from Kyle Filupowski and Walter Clayton Jr., who maintained control for the Jazz throughout much of the second half.
For the Thunder, Ajay Mitchell and Malevy Leons stood out as key contributors. However, beyond their efforts, the team struggled to find consistent offensive support.
Now, the Thunder shift their focus to the Las Vegas Summer League, where they will aim to refine their game and compete for the championship. Should Mitchell participate, his performance could position him as a strong MVP contender.
Here's a breakdown of individual player performances from the game against the Jazz:
Player Grades:
Ajay Mitchell: A
Mitchell's performance was commendable, especially considering a potential ankle issue. He recorded 19 points and eight assists, shooting 6-for-15 from the field. While some late-game forced shots impacted his overall efficiency, his performance was nearly flawless for most of the night.
His playmaking abilities were particularly noteworthy, even as the team's leading scorer. Mitchell demonstrated impressive reads in pick-and-roll situations, especially around the high post. This skill set will be a valuable asset during the regular season.
Malevy Leons: A-
With Mitchell seemingly not at 100%, Leons elevated his game on both ends of the court to keep the Thunder competitive. He scored 17 points, primarily in the second half, shooting 7-for-9. He also contributed four steals, many of which were in one-on-one situations.
Brooks Barnhizer: B
Barnhizer continued to justify his selection in the second round of this year's draft, contributing 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists. His defensive prowess was evident, with two blocks and two steals.
Jazian Gortman: B
Although his playing time was limited, Gortman showcased his exceptional athleticism and speed. He quickly scored four points upon entering the game, both from drives to the basket. Despite missing five other shots and committing two turnovers, he provided a quick spark for the Thunder.
Hason Ward: B-
The Iowa State graduate continued to make a subtle impact during the Summer League, finishing with seven points and one rebound in 14 minutes.
Cameron Brown: B-
Brown played 18 minutes, contributing four points and one assist. While he committed two turnovers, he effectively pushed the tempo and helped the Thunder regain momentum in the game.
Mady Sissoko: B-
Sissoko delivered a solid, albeit unremarkable, performance. While his finishing around the rim could improve, he scored six points on 3-for-6 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.
Chris Youngblood: C+
Youngblood's grade has consistently been hindered by his three-point shooting struggles. Against Utah, he scored six points on 2-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc. However, he has proven to be a valuable asset on defense.
Zack Austin: C-
Austin had a minimal impact, securing three rebounds in 11 minutes. His plus-minus rating of -12 contributed to the lower grade.
Nikola Topic: D+
This was a challenging outing for Topic. He forced shots, shooting 3-for-12, and struggled against Utah's Elijah Harkless, resulting in eight turnovers. He appeared uncomfortable throughout the game, marking a departure from his previous Summer League performances.
While it's clear he is still adjusting, this performance highlighted areas for improvement. Despite glimpses of promising passing and driving ability, they were overshadowed by negative plays.
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