OKC Thunder lose first game at Orlando Summer League

With the starting line up on the bench for the OKC Thunder, the inexperience showed up in Orlando as they lost for the first  time in Summer League.

The starters for the OKC Thunder must have needed some rest in their game against the Hornets in the Orlando Summer league because all of them recorded 0 minutes. Josh Huestis, Dakari Johnson, Semaj Chiston, Markel Brown and Terrance Ferguson all sat the bench during the game (Ferguson is having issues with signing his contract and hasn’t played a single game). Also of note, Huestis, Johnson and Brown were the leading scorers in their run away game against New York the day prior.

The game ended 81-95 in the Hornets favor. The Thunder shot 36% from the field going into the fourth quarter. They had 15 total turnovers and only 19 assists in the game. Their game was just not flowing without any true leadership on the court.

Marcus Paige took the role of running the offense. He chipped in 6 assists and 12 points with only 1 turnover. With the OKC Thunder in desperate need of a back up floor general, any point guard who has a good game in Orlando should feel good about it.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

The OKC Thunder tried to come back from a 20 point deficit in Orlando, but the Hornets had the hot hand beyond the arc. The Hornets hit 21 of 28 shots behind the 3-point line, led by Treveon Graham going 3 of 4. This led OKC’s comeback chances into the dust, along with their undefeated streak in Summer League.

With another game in the books, the Thunder have one more game in Orlando against the Dallas Mavericks on July 5th. After this the teams will be paired off for the final day of games to determine each team’s tournament placement.

Scoring Leaders.

Treveon Graham – Hornets Guard:

• 19 Points
• 6 of 12 field goals
• 4  of 6 free throws

 Shamar Hunter – Thunder Center:

• 16 points
• 6 of 13 field goals
• 4 of 6 free throws

Via: ESPN Game Recap