OKC Thunder fade in the 4th: Roby shines in 3 takeaways

OKC Thunder vet Diallo continues to improve

In a season where the Thunder need Diallo to show up and show out, the third-year guard seems to be doing just that.

Diallo’s career, so far, has displayed strong defensive efforts mixed with inconsistent offensive performances.

Still, he remains in a Thunder uniform because of his potential. Diallo has the potential to be a solid all-around NBA player, and this is the year for Diallo to take the next step and show that he can deliver.

In three games, he’s showing glimpses of the kind of player he can be. Tuesday night’s game was no exception.

Diallo was aggressive in the Thunder’s loss to the Magic. He played hard, driving into traffic and putting his body on the line for a Thunder victory. Although that victory didn’t materialize, the loss can’t be hung on Diallo.

In 22 minutes, Diallo scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He also pulled down eight rebounds, picked up two steals, and blocked a shot.

This is the kind of effort the Thunder need from him this season and into the future.

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So far this season, Diallo has averaged 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He’s done it while shooting 50 percent from the field. His points per game average have climbed nearly three points each of his three seasons in the league.

While the season is still young and there is still a ton of basketball left to be played, if Diallo can keep stringing together solid offensive performances while stifling opposing players defensively, there’s a good chance he’ll be in a Thunder uniform for many years to come.

The OKC Thunder are back in action on New Year’s Eve as they host the New Orleans Pelicans and welcome back Steven Adams to Chesapeake, albeit without Thunder Nation on hand to welcome him.

Game time is 8:00 p.m. EST and 7:00 p.m. Central time.