OKC Thunder: Hamidou Diallo offers glimpse of shooting potential

OKC Thunder wing Hamidou Diallo was terrific in the first seeding game showing that he’s got more tricks up his sleeve.

As the OKC Thunder took on the Utah Jazz in their first game of the NBA return, there was a moment at the end of the third quarter when Hamidou Diallo shot a tremendous corner three off an assist from Chris Paul.

It was what we had been wanting to see more of from not just Diallo but many of the young Thunder players prior to the NBA hiatus.

After making the shot, Diallo was mistakenly called his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But there’s no doubt that we all know who the Thunder youngster and 2019 dunk contest champion is. Throughout the game, he demonstrated that fact.

Hami’s play was one of the things that most impressed people when watching the contest. He was all over the court and finished with 9 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal. What was even more impressive is that he only spent 20 minutes on the floor.

OKC Thunder wing Hamidou Diallo – shows off his improved skillset

Before being out of action for four and a half months, Diallo was shooting 21.3 percent from the 3-point line. In Saturday’s win, he shot 100 percent knocking down two huge daggers.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1289676429907484674

It’s evident that over the break, he’s had the chance to master his stroke and look for other ways to make his game better. We all know how athletic Diallo is but it was awesome to see him get into a shooting rhythm.

In just the first game Hami has shown improvements. The two 3-point shots were the most Hami has knocked down in a single game this season. In previous matches, Diallo has showcased more of his defensive talent.

This time he really showcased his versatility, his ability to get into the right spot for an open shot, and then use his great instincts to know when there’s opportunity to steal the ball or force a turnover.

Hami has attempted only 37, 3-pointers across the season, however, his recent success rate makes a big difference.

For him to have the confidence to translate what he’s been working on in practice into the NBA game environment is an exciting prospect. It also contributes to the OKC Thunder’s persistence of continuing to get better in all areas of their game.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1290017878356434945

It also looks to have rubbed off on Diallo’s younger teammate Darius Bazley who also sunk two three-pointers of his own and added seven rebounds and a block. The pair worked nicely together throughout the game, looking for each other to pass the ball and were always in support when each other drove to the basket.

Both posing a tall and sharp combo that will make things harder for teams in the NBA bubble. It also provides a taste of what is to come as more young players continue to flourish.

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The Thunder look rejuvenated after a long time away from the hardwood. It’s only the first game back but it’s given so much more to talk about.

According to Brandon Rahbar of the Daily, Thunder CP3 was proud of the way OKC’s young players went.

"“It’s been unbelievable. I told Baze after the game, to see their growth. I was excited about seeing Hami. To see how much better we’ve gotten as a team. To see Dre out there hoopin’. It almost gives you goosebumps. It’s special.”"

From Hami to Darius, to how good this Thunder team is, it looks like they’ll continue to be a topic of discussion in basketball circles.

And they’ll remember that his name is Hamidou Diallo!