Top Performers From Oklahoma City’s Opening Night Victory in Salt Lake City

Oklahoma City was back in action Monday night, taking the floor in Salt Lake City’s Summer League session. The Thunder came away with a 95-85 win over Utah, racking up a 43-point quarter and a handful of highlight plays.

As a team, OKC buried 13 triples on 41.9% shooting and seven blocks on the defensive side of the floor. The two-way balance propelled the Thunder to a win and set up the young core for success.

Here’s who starred in Oklahoma City’s double-digit win against the Jazz:

Jalen Williams

From the tip, it was clear that Jalen Williams was the best player on the floor. That will likely be the case for every game he suits up in over the course of Summer League action.

Williams netted a game-high 21 points in 21 minutes on 8-of-14 shooting and 3-of-5 from 3-point range. He was confident and in control the entire game, letting his veteran presence shine through his play.

Tre Mann

Oklahoma City’s third year guard had the play of the Summer League on opening night. No matter what happens over the next two weeks, it won’t top Tre Mann’s poster dunk. His high flying acrobatics are the icing on the cake of his full potential.

TRE MANN UNREAL POSTER 😱 pic.twitter.com/0fSKvkPJwN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 4, 2023

All-in-all, the Florida product totaled 20 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists in 32 minutes. He shot 7-of-15 from the floor and drilled four triples in eight tries. Mann’s two-way impact was impressive, as the young guard really locked in on the defensive side of the floor and it led to more offense. His ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes in rhythm, like he did on Monday, would go a long way in Oklahoma City. This could be a serious building block for Mann and his confidence moving forward.

Chet Holmgren

Holmgren’s return was worth the wait. After an understandably slow start, he shook off the rust and turned in an impactful performance in his first game in over just under a year. The Gonzaga product stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and four blocks.

No surprise that Chet Holmgren had to shake off some early rust but still finished with 15 PTS (6/14 FG), 9 REBS, 4 BLKS and 2 ASTS in 29 MINS in a win vs. the Jazz in his first action since injuring his foot last summer. 2nd pick in the 2022 draft is still just 21-years-old pic.twitter.com/osPK6WzFOD
— DraftExpressContent (@DXContent) July 4, 2023

Holmgren altered so many shots at the rim, even if he wasn’t directly blocking them. His rim protection is his most valuable asset to a team like Oklahoma City. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey on the floor next year, he won’t need to do near as much self creation either. Holmgren has the opportunity for easy baskets around the rim and catch-and-shoot triples.

All things considered, it was a great return to action for the former No. 2 overall pick.

Jaylin Williams

Williams played his role to a T on Monday night. The big man grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds to go along with eight points and three assists. On the defensive end, Williams drew three charges, picking up right where he left off.

The Arkansas product was able to share the floor with Holmgren and hold his own without him. He was an important player for the Thunder down the stretch a season ago and looks ready to make an impact once again.

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.