After a strong run in the preseason, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Ousmane Dieng is ready to tip off the regular season next week against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Thunder posted a 5-1 record during the preseason, capped by a win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. The team had an eventful exhibition schedule from playing in Tulsa on Oct. 5 to facing the Adelaide 36ers (Australia) and Maccabi Ra’anana (Israel) at home.
Dieng produced 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal in the 118-112 win over the Spurs for his third straight game in double figures. He went 5-of-8 from the field in 27 minutes of work as the team looks ahead to the regular season.
The 11th pick saw the preseason as a valuable experience.
I feel a bit tired, but it is OK. I learned a lot of things on the court and off of the court and I feel like I’m already a better player than before the preseason so that is pretty good.
Dieng finished the preseason averaging 11 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in five games on 57.9% shooting from the field, including 47.1% (8-of-17) from 3-point range. He flashed his versatility and flourished at times with the ball in his hands.
Ousmane Dieng attacks the close out & gets the tough finish over Poeltl.
This kid man pic.twitter.com/HHBzghLc24
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) October 14, 2022
The 19-year-old is one of four rookies the Thunder added, along with Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams. They have adjusted well to the NBA in the early going and each has shown moments in training camp.
With the start of the regular season days away, Dieng is eager to get his career officially underway. He has improved each game and is looking to carry that momentum into their opener on Wednesday.
“I think it has gotten better every game,” Dieng said. “All of the teammates are here for each other so it is easier to be comfortable on the court. I’m ready because we had six preseason games so I’m ready for the season and (the preseason) really helped me.”
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