Young Thunder Trio Shines In Summer League Opener, But Fall To Celtics

The Oklahoma City Thunder got its NBA Summer League campaign underway Monday afternoon, falling to the Boston Celtics 73-65.

While the Thunder may have been on the short end of the scoreboard, there were bright spots from some young players that OKC sees as a big part of its future.

First-round pick Perry Jones III scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his professional debut. He shot 7-17 from the field and did not turn the ball over in 29 minutes.

Second-year guard Reggie Jackson also stood out for OKC, scoring 19 points on 7-15 shooting.

Third-year wingman Lazar Hayward also chipped in 18, but shot only 4-14 from the field.

The big disappointment for Oklahoma City was the play of third-year center Cole Aldrich, who managed only one point on four shot attempts and seven rebounds in 32 minutes of action. Aldrich also posted a -18 plus/minus and turned the ball over three times.

Rookie forward Jared Sullinger led the way for Boston, scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 boards in 24 minutes of play. Sullinger shot 6-12 from the field and 7-7 from the free throw line.

E'Twaun Moore also poured in 16 points in the winning effort for Boston.

Oklahoma City continues its Summer League schedule against the Indiana Pacers tomorrow at noon CST.