Thunder Summer League Setback vs Lakers

Lakers Hold Off Late Thunder Rally

The Los Angeles Lakers started the summer showcase in Las Vegas with a dominant display, looking like they were headed for an easy win. Oklahoma City managed to cut a 20‑point gap down to nine with just over two minutes left, thanks in large part to Bennett Stirtz’s eight‑point burst in the fourth quarter. Adou Thiero anchored the Lakers’ defense, finishing with a stat line of 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The final score landed at 96‑84, giving LA the win and leaving the Thunder to ponder what might have been. Stirtz’s late‑game aggression showed glimpses of the shooting confidence he hopes to carry into the regular season.

Stirtz’s Shooting Spark Ignites Late Surge

Bennett Stirtz burned the nets for 18 points on 7‑of‑14 shooting, including three threes, while adding two assists, a steal and a block in 28 minutes. After a turnover‑filled stretch where his assist‑to‑turnover ratio slipped to 1:1 across three summer league games, he managed zero mistakes in the second half. The guard attributed his composure to a simple mantra: keep shooting, even when the looks are off. With Nikola Topić sidelined by injury, Stirtz has shouldered a larger share of playmaking duties, a challenge many rookies face in their NBA debut window. The improvement signals a potential boon for the Thunder’s backcourt depth as the season approaches.

Mara’s Toughening Up in the Post

Aday Mara, the 7‑foot‑3 center taken 12th overall, showed both vision and size when he grabbed an offensive rebound late in the second quarter, opting to dish it behind the back rather than crash the paint. That moment underscored his developing floor‑reading skills, yet also hinted at the hesitation that still needs refinement. By game’s end, Mara recorded two points, seven rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal, while still shooting 0‑for‑3 from the field. “Be the guy that (OKC) took at pick 12,” Brooks Barnhizer reminded him, echoing the rookie’s own adjustment period from last year. Mara’s growth will be watched closely as he learns to balance passing with the aggression the franchise expects from a top‑centered big man.

Shooting Stirs from Former Hawkeyes

Josh Dix and Payton Sandfort, both products of Iowa, sparked the Thunder’s perimeter during the Lakers clash, showcasing the long‑range accuracy that earned them two‑way contracts. Sandfort poured in ten points and grabbed seven rebounds, hitting 2‑of‑5 from deep in just 19 minutes off the bench. Dix added eight points and two rebounds, also going 2‑of‑5 from three‑point range in 24 minutes of action. Their ability to stretch defenses could be pivotal for OKC’s lineup, especially after Sandfort’s brief stint on a two‑way deal ended in a waiver earlier in July. The duo’s synergy on the court hints at a promising partnership for the Thunder’s offensive arsenal.

Thunder’s Summer League Outlook

Oklahoma City now sits at 0‑4 in summer league play, a stark start that leaves little margin for error before the regular season. The team’s next test comes Sunday at 5 p.m. CT against the Golden State Warriors on Prime Video, a match that will serve both as preparation and a chance to arrest the slide. The summer grind is a proving ground where second‑year players and undrafted talent often earn their roster spots, and the Thunder’s current lineup will need immediate cohesion to improve its position. Coaching adjustments, defensive grit and the spark from rookie contributors like Stirtz and Mara will be key as the squad looks to turn its summer woes into a foundation for a deeper run.