Tre Mann on Wednesday produced his first career 20-point game to help lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to an overtime win on the road over the Dallas Mavericks.
Mann finished with a career-high 29 points, three assists, one steal and one blocked shot in the 120-114 win. He shot 8-of-14 from the field, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range, in 41 minutes of work as the Thunder won their second straight game.
The 18th pick went to work early, recording 10 points alone in the first quarter. Mann knew, without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the lineup, the Thunder needed to come out aggressive early and set the tone, and he did just that.
“I gotta come out more aggressive,” Mann said. “Coach Mark (Daigneault) talked to me before the game. He said: ‘Make them pay for your offense. That’s why you’re out there.’ … So that’s what it was. I just came out really aggressive. I attacked off of the catch early, saw some go in and that’s what I was thinking the whole game.”
Tre Mann and Lu Dort were letting it fly from deep as they combined for 59 PTS & 12 3PM to get the win for the @okcthunder in OT! #ThunderUp@Tre2Mann3: 29 PTS | 6-8 3PM @luthebeast: 30 PTS | 6 REB | 6 3PM pic.twitter.com/ARnzmDZYMS
— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2022
Mann made just his fifth start of the season and third straight as the Thunder play without Gilgeous-Alexander, who is expected to be out at least through the All-Star break with a sprained ankle. His 29 points surpassed his previous career-high of 19 as it was easily his best outing of the season.
Daigneault credited Mann for staying aggressive from the start of the game.
He was outstanding, obviously. I thought he was way more decisive, way more aggressive. He is always aggressive after he has the ball but I thought he was more aggressive before it came to him tonight. He just had a mentality where he was going to rip open shots and be decisive in his actions, which is, obviously, something we’ve talked about a lot.
Mann also earned a bit of praise from rookie teammate Josh Giddey for his play. Giddey thought Mann made plays for the Thunder all game long and even took a hilarious jab at him during his postgame press conference, via Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman.
Only 29… pftttt🥱 @tre2mann3 https://t.co/r0QbdeHmss
— josh giddey (@joshgiddey) February 3, 2022
The moment between Giddey and Mann offered a great look at the team chemistry in Oklahoma City. They represent a big part of the future for the Thunder and it appears as though they are having some fun with other this season.
The performance by Mann certainly offered a glimpse into his potential. The team has prioritized his development this season and it looks as though he has made huge strides throughout the year. For now, the team will certainly hope that continues.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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