Bennett Stirtz Shines as Thunder Lose to Lakers

LAS VEGAS — The Los Angeles Lakers rallied for a 96‑84 victory over the OKC Thunder in Friday’s NBA Summer League tilt. Adou Thiero anchored the win with a near‑perfect line: 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The Thunder, now 0‑4 in Summer League play, fell to the defending‑NBA‑champion Lakers despite a late surge.

The Thunder’s Fight Back Comes Up Short

Oklahoma City trimmed a 20‑point deficit to just nine with 2:23 left, thanks in large part to Bennett Stirtz, who poured eight points into the fourth quarter. The rookie guard finished the game with 18 points, two assists, one steal and one block on 7‑for‑14 shooting, including three makes from deep. His second‑half turnover‑free play hinted at the progression many are expecting from a first‑year guard.

Stirtz entered the night riding a concerning turnover trend, posting a 1:1 assist‑to‑turnover ratio across three Summer League contests after a 2.4:1 mark in college. After committing his fourth turnover early, he tightened up in the second half, showing the kind of poise that could translate to next season’s roster. “I just kept shooting,” Stirtz said, acknowledging the adjustment process that every NBA rookie faces.

Despite the loss, the Thunder’s performance offered glimpses of upside. Aday Mara, the 7‑foot‑3 center, gathered seven rebounds and recorded two blocks but struggled with aggressiveness, finishing with just two points on 0‑for‑3 shooting. His struggle to convert offensive rebounds into putbacks could be a focus as the team prepares for the regular season.

Shooting Stars: Dix and Sandfort Provide Spacing

Two former Iowa Hawkeyes shined from the perimeter. Josh Dix knocked down eight points on a 2‑for‑5 three‑point night, while Payton Sandfort added ten points and seven rebounds, also hitting two triples. Both players, signed to two‑way contracts, should provide valuable floor‑spacing options for the OKC Blue in the G League.

Dix’s two‑way deal follows an undrafted summer, while Sandfort returned after a brief waiving on July 2. Their long‑range accuracy reflects a trend of teams valuing shooters who can stretch defenses, a skill set increasingly prized in today’s NBA. Going forward, both will likely fight for roster spots as the Thunder look to balance talent across the G League affiliate.

Looking Ahead

OKC is set to face the Golden State Warriors at 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, still on Prime Video. The Thunder will look to snap the 0‑4 slide and find a formula that blends defensive intensity with the offensive firepower shown by Stirtz, Thiero and the sharpshooting duo of Dix and Sandfort. Fans can expect a fast‑paced Summer League showcase as both clubs continue their playoff‑prep journeys.

Key Takeaways

• Los Angeles rolled to a 96‑84 win behind Adou Thiero’s 20‑point, multi‑category performance.
• Bennett Stirtz demonstrated growth, scoring 18 points with a turnover‑free second half and a improving assist‑to‑turnover ratio.
• Aday Mara’s size and passing promise remain, but aggression on the offensive board needs refinement.
• Josh Dix and Payton Sandfort’s three‑point shooting added crucial spacing for the Thunder’s summer lineup.