Rookies Shine As Thunder Dominate New Zealand In Preseason Matchup

It’s the luck of the draw when it comes to NBA preseason games. Most teams rest at least a few starters for several reasons: the risk of injury, a chance to get a better look at backups and rookies.

The Thunder's big names all sat this one out against the New Zealand Breakers, the opponent in preseason game three for OKC, one night after an overtime loss to Houston.

From the start, Ousmane Dieng made a difference, as his opening three-pointer went down—he finished with 20 points. Later, Adam Flagler got really hot, hitting five first-quarter threes to finish with 25. The Breakers hung tough, but OKC Dillon Jones, the rookie, hit a three to beat the halftime buzzer. They were tied at the break at 60, but OKC pulled away in the second half, with a final score of 117-89.

A 60-60 ballgame at the break turned into a second-half rout thanks to a stout defensive performance by OKC in the third and fourth quarters. The Thunder held New Zealand to under 30 percent shooting while forcing eight turnovers.

With only eight players available, the crowd at the BOK Center got to learn some new names.

Get used to this one: Dillon Jones, the first-round pick, had himself a night, putting up 23 points while grabbing 13 rebounds. The rookie also had four steals. When you outscore your opponent by 28 points in a half, that car is a well-oiled machine. OKC takes the floor again next Tuesday.