Tag: OKC Blue

Recap: Fourth quarter leads to OKC Blue’s 99-95 loss to Rip City Remix

Recap: Fourth quarter leads to OKC Blue’s 99-95 loss to Rip City Remix.

Trailing by four points entering the final 10 seconds, the OKC Blue had multiple chances cut the deficit to one and put pressure on the Rip City Remix on Sunday.

Instead, Jaden Shackelford and Caleb McConnell missed 3-point attempts, sealing the 99-95 loss that dropped the Blue to 2-7.

A close contest, the Remix led 22-20 when the first quarter ended and 48-45 entering the break. However, OKC used a big 31-point third quarter to enter the final frame leading, 76-69. The Blue led by as many as nine points in the final quarter before the Remix rallied.

The Blue shot 39% from the field and went 11-of-38 (28.9%) from 3. OKC dished 20 assists on 37 baskets. Seven players scored double-digit points.

Meanwhile, the Remix shot 44% from the field and went 14-of-39 (35.9%) from 3. Rip City had 24 assists on 37 baskets. Four players scored double-digit points.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Jahmi’us Ramsey: 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting, 3-of-5 from 3, nine rebounds, four assists
  • Caleb McConnell: 10 points on 5-of-12 shooting, 10 rebounds, five steals, three assists
  • Hunter Maldonado: 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting, 10 rebounds, five assists
  • Noah Starkey: 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, 11 rebounds, three blocks
  • Antoine Davis: 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 4-of-9 from 3, three rebounds
  • Ashton Hagans: 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals
  • Quinton Rose: 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting, 4-of-9 from 3, three assists, three rebounds, two steals

Here are the full highlights from the Blue’s four-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

OKC Thunder recall Ousmane Dieng from G League’s OKC Blue

OKC Thunder recall Ousmane Dieng from G League’s OKC Blue.

Following their win over Miami Heat on Wednesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced they had recalled second-year forward Ousmane Dieng from the G League’s OKC Blue.

Dieng has had several G League assignments throughout his tenure with the Thunder. This most recent was a lengthy one. He played for the Blue for seven consecutive games after being assigned on Dec. 27.

During that stretch, Dieng averaged 16.9 points on 39% shooting, seven rebounds and 3.1 assists. He shot 23.1% from 3 on 5.6 attempts.

After a four-game road trip, the Thunder return to OKC to play a quick two-game homestand. The Thunder are in the midst of their busiest month of the season.

In 18 games with OKC, Dieng is averaging 4.3 points on 45.8% shooting and 1.6 rebounds. The 20-year-old was drafted with the 11th pick in the 2022 NBA draft.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: OKC Blue win second night of back-to-back over Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 111-101

Recap: OKC Blue wins second night of back-to-back over Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 111-101.

Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the G League’s OKC Blue collected a 111-101 win over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The home win improves the Blue to 2-6.

After losing to the Vipers in overtime the previous night, the Blue split the mini-baseball series against them with this 10-point win.

The Blue had a hot start and built a 34-26 lead after one quarter. At halftime, the OKC lead remained eight, 59-51. A 32-point third quarter helped OKC enter the final frame with a 93-80 advantage. The closest the Vipers came was an eight-point deficit, but the Blue were never in jeopardy of losing their lead in the fourth quarter.

The Blue shot 48% from the field and went 9-of-28 (32.1%) from 3. They had 24 assists on their 38 baskets. OKC committed 26 turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Vipers shot 37% from the field and went 7-of-33 (21.2%) from 3. They had 24 assists on 39 baskets. Rio Grande Valley committed 20 turnovers.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 27 points on 8-of-18 shooting, 1-of-3 from 3, 11 rebounds, four steals
  • Noah Starkey: 20 points on 10-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, three blocks
  • Miller Kopp: 16 points on 4-of-10 shooting from 3, four rebounds
  • Darius Days: 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 2-of-4 from 3, seven rebounds, two steals
  • Jarrett Culver: 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting, 1-of-6 from 3, five rebounds
  • Nate Williams: 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting, six rebounds

Here are the full highlights from the Blue’s 10-point win over the Houston Rockets‘ G League affiliate:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: OKC Blue lose to Rio Grande Valley Vipers in OT, 110-108

Recap: OKC Blue loses to Rio Grande Valley Vipers in OT, 110-108.

The G League’s OKC Blue suffered a 110-108 overtime loss to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Tuesday. The home loss drops the Blue to 1-6.

In a race to seven points in overtime, Jermaine Samuels Jr hit the game-winning layup for the Vipers.

In the back-and-forth contest, neither team led by more than 15 points. The Vipers led by five following the first quarter, 32-27, and by nine at halftime.

The Blue used a 29-point third quarter to enter the final frame with a three-point lead. Regulation ended with the teams tied at 103 even though OKC led by as many as nine points in the period.

The Blue shot 40% from the field and went 9-of-27 (33.3%) from 3. They struggled from the free-throw line, going 17-of-27. Ball security was a problem as OKC committed 25 turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Vipers shot 40% from the field and went 9-of-36 (25%) from 3. They shot 13-of-21 from the free-throw line. Rio Grande Valley committed 23 turnovers.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 33 points on 10-of-16 shooting, 4-of-5 from 3, 11 rebounds
  • Ousmane Dieng: 17 points on 4-of-18 shooting, 0-of-5 from 3, 12 rebounds, six assists
  • Adam Flagler: 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, 3-of-4 from 3
  • Hunter Maldonado: 13 points on 6-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals
  • Jermaine Samuels Jr.: 30 points on 11-of-23 shooting, 2-of-7 from 3, 13 rebounds, three assists
  • Nate Williams: 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 14 rebounds, two steals
  • Nate Hinton: 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, six assists, four rebounds, three steals, three blocks

The full highlights from the Blue’s two-point OT loss to the Houston Rockets‘ G League affiliate can be watched below:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: OKC Blue suffer 119-94 loss to G League’s Clippers

Recap: OKC Blue suffers 119-94 loss to G League’s Clippers.

The G League’s OKC Blue suffered a 119-94 loss to the Ontario Clippers on Sunday. The road loss drops the Blue to 1-5.

The Clippers led for most of the night. The Blue trailed 32-27 after one quarter and 62-55 at halftime. A 25-point third quarter by the Clippers gave them an 11-point lead, a margin that ballooned to 24 points less than five minutes into the fourth quarter.

The Blue shot 43% from the field and went a cold 9-of-33 (27.3%) from 3. Their 23 turnovers meant the Blue attempted 12 fewer shots than Ontario.

Meanwhile, the Clippers shot 47% from the field and went a sizzling 15-of-36 (41.7%) from 3. Their 15 steals helped generate 93 field goal attempts.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting, 0-of-4 from 3, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals
  • Keyontae Johnson: 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, four rebounds, two steals
  • KJ Williams: 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 3-of-6 from 3, 11 rebounds, two blocks
  • Jordan Miller: 24 points on 8-of-20 shooting, 2-of-4 from 3, 10 rebounds
  • Joshua Primo: 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 2-of-4 from 3, four assists
  • Bryson Williams: 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting, 11 rebounds
  • Warith Alatishe: 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, 10 rebounds, three steals

The full highlights from the Blue’s 25-point loss to the LA Clippers’ G League affiliate can be watched below:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: OKC Blue beat prospect-studded G League Ignite, 125-115

Recap: OKC Blue beats prospect-studded G League Ignite, 125-115.

The OKC Blue collected their first win of the second half of the G League season on Friday, 125-115 against the G League Ignite. The road win improves the Blue to 1-4.

The Blue started hot and held a 33-25 lead following the first quarter. OKC added to its lead in the second quarter and held a 66-56 halftime lead.

A 35-point third quarter by the Ignite cut the Blue’s lead to three points, 94-91. Less than four minutes into the fourth quarter, OKC rebuilt a double-digit lead.

From that point on, the Blue were in firm control against a team with several players advertised to be top draft picks in 2024.

The Blue shot 46% from the field and went 7-of-32 (21.9%) from 3. OKC went 22-of-26 from the free-throw line.

Meanwhile, the Ignite shot 40% from the field and went 14-of-34 (41.2%) from 3. They had 26 assists on their 36 baskets but turned it over 17 times.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3, six rebounds
  • Keyontae Johnson: 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds, two blocks
  • Jahmi’us Ramsey: 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, 10 rebounds, five steals, three assists
  • Ivan Almansa: 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting, 10 rebounds, two blocks
  • Ron Holland: 16 points on 3-of-10 shooting, 2-of-5 from 3, nine rebounds, six assists
  • Matas Buzelis: 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds
  • Tyler Smith: 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3, five rebounds, two blocks

The full highlights from the Blue’s 10-point win over the Ignite can be watched below:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: OKC Blue misses late chances in 120-117 loss to South Bay Lakers

Recap: OKC Blue misses late chances in 120-117 loss to South Bay Lakers.

Trailing by three points, the OKC Blue called a timeout and managed to create three separate looks on its final possession. The three shot attempts all resulted in misses as the final buzzer sounded.

The G League’s OKC Blue’s 20-point comeback attempt went in vain in a 120-117 loss to the South Bay Lakers on Wednesday. The three-point home loss drops the Blue’s record to 0-4.

The Lakers created a 34-25 lead following the first quarter. The Blue couldn’t chip away from much of the lead in the second frame as OKC entered halftime with a 62-55 deficit.

The Lakers added to their lead with a 29-point third quarter and entered the final frame owning a 91-80 advantage. After trailing by nine points with 1:17 left, the Blue went on a quick 6-0 run to threaten a comeback.

Overall, the Blue shot 40% from the field and went 12-of-44 (27.3%) from 3. It shot 20-of-28 from the free-throw line and committed 20 turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Lakers shot 47% from the field and went 9-of-34 (26.5%) from 3. South Bay’s poor night from the charity stripe didn’t come back to cost it as it went 15-of-26. It also committed 20 turnovers.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

Ousmane Dieng: 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting, 1-of-6 from 3, eight rebounds, four assists

  • Keyontae Johnson: 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds, three assists
  • Jahmi’us Ramsey: 30 points on 7-of-16 shooting, 3-of-8 from 3, 12 rebounds
  • Jaden Shackelford: 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting, 5-of-14 from 3, five rebounds
  • Louis King: 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, 2-of-7 from 3, three assists
  • Alex Fudge: 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting, seven rebounds, three assists
  • Bryce Hamilton: 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists
  • Scottie Pippen Jr.: 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting, 1-of-5 from 3, eight rebounds, seven assists

The full highlights from the Blue’s three-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate can be watched below:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: OKC Blue’s 22-point lead not enough in 114-113 loss to South Bay Lakers

Recap: OKC Blue’s 22-point lead not enough in 114-113 loss to South Bay Lakers.

With 0.3 seconds left on Tuesday, the OKC Blue couldn’t generate a last-second attempt at a game-winner and lost to the South Bay Lakers, 114-113. The loss, which dropped the Blue to 0-3, was particularly painful since the Blue led by as many as 22 points.

It was a strong start for the Blue. They led 38-23 following the first quarter but by only one, 61-60, at the break.

A 37-point third quarter gave the Blue an eight-point lead entering the fourth quarter. They led 100-90 less than a minute into the final frame, but South Bay dominated the rest of the way. The Lakers outscored the Blue, 24-15, in the final frame to come out with the comeback win.

The Blue shot 45% from the field and went 6-of-37 (16.2%) from 3. OKC dished 26 assists on 43 baskets.

Meanwhile, the Lakers shot 50% from the field and went 12-of-36 (33.3%) from 3. They had 24 assists on 46 baskets.

Both teams struggled with ball security. Each committed 22 turnovers in the high-scoring affair.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 20 points on 7-of-17 shooting, 0-of-4 from 3, seven rebounds, two assists
  • Keyontae Johnson: 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 2-of-6 from 3, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals
  • Olivier Sarr: 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, 12 rebounds, three blocks
  • Lindy Waters III: 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting, 2-of-7 from 3, six rebounds, three assists
  • Maxwell Lewis: 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting, 2-of-5 from 3, 10 rebounds
  • Scottie Pippen Jr.: 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, 3-of-8 from 3, six assists
  • Joirdon Nicholas: 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting, 14 rebounds

The full highlights from the Blue’s one-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ G League affiliate can be watched below:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Succeeding in the G League, Keyontae Johnson is staying ready for his opportunity

Succeeding in the G League, Keyontae Johnson is staying ready for his opportunity.

As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for a busy January, reinforcements could be on the way from the G League.

The Thunder (21-9) will play a brutal upcoming stretch of games. In January, they’re scheduled to play 17 games in 31 days, including five back-to-backs.

With such a high number of games, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault might need to dig into his bench to avoid overworking his starters in the dog days of the regular season.

“We have a very condensed schedule — as most NBA teams do —  coming up,” Daigneault said about expanding his rotation following their win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. “And we’re gonna need everybody. … We’ll continue to take a look at our whole roster.”

A potential benefactor of an expanded rotation is two-way rookie Keyontae Johnson. The 23-year-old has spent the bulk of the season with the G League’s OKC Blue.

After being drafted with the No. 50 pick of the 2023 NBA draft, Johnson has appeared in one game for the Thunder this season. He played six minutes in OKC’s home-opening loss to the Denver Nuggets.

This means the two-way rookie has 49 appearances left on his current two-way deal, which makes him an attractive option for absorbing minutes in the upcoming stretch.

In the G League, Johnson has been one of the Blue’s best players. In 13 games during the Winter Showcase portion of the season, he averaged 19.4 points on 53.9% shooting, 6.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He also shot 43.2% from 3 on 3.4 attempts.

In two games since, he’s averaged 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Johnson has found his groove as a small-ball forward/center who can stretch the floor and crash the boards. This type of prototype player could bolster OKC’s bench.

When asked how he thinks Johnson could look in the NBA if he gets called back up this season to absorb minutes, Blue head coach Kameron Woods is confident the transition would be seamless.

“When these (Thunder) guys are here and just knowing them, they’re hard-working guys that keep themselves ready,” Woods said. “I think they’ve done a nice job each individually growing in the areas that are most important to them.”

Johnson also said his extended time in the G League has proved valuable. It has given him a chance to receive significant playing time and chances to develop.

“It’s been good. Just helping me get the reps I need for me to be able to play with the Thunder one day,” Johnson said on his time with the Blue. “Just trying to do the best in my role they have me in.”

Discussing in-season improvements, Johnson said he’s slowly found his identity within OKC’s offense after overcoming a learning curve.

“Just being more aggressive. I feel like defending, picking up better. Just knowing my spots on the court,” Johnson said. “I feel like that’s the progression I’ve been making. At first, I was just running around, didn’t know where to be. Now it’s like I know (where to be).”

The NBA season is a seven-month grind in which teams play practically every other day. It’s only logical that requires teams to fully utilize their 18-player rosters throughout the season.

For the Thunder, this might mean needing their second-round rookie to translate his G League success to the NBA. The blueprint is there for Johnson to be a key contributor down the stretch.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: Ousmane Dieng scores 25 points in OKC Blue’s 114-103 loss to Maine Celtics

Recap: Ousmane Dieng scores 25 points in OKC Blue’s 114-103 loss to Maine Celtics.

The G League’s OKC Blue suffered a 114-103 loss to the Maine Celtics on Friday. The home loss drops their record to 0-2 since the second half of the season kicked off.

This was the second consecutive loss to the Celtics for the Blue, who also lost to them on Wednesday.

The Blue had a good start, leading by three points following the first quarter. But the Celtics used a 33-19 second quarter to flip the score, and the Blue entered halftime with a 61-50 deficit.

A 30-point third quarter by the Blue cut the deficit to six points entering the final frame. OKC proceeded to get to as close as four points before the Celtics pulled away.

The Blue shot 41% from the field and went 10-of-30 (27.8%) from 3. It was a poor offensive outing. OKC also turned it over 18 times.

Meanwhile, the Celtics shot 45% from the field despite going 12-of-45 (26.7%) from 3. Maine also struggled with ball security with 19 turnovers but 11 steals helped overcome that.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

Ousmane Dieng: 25 points on 11-of-19 shooting, 3-of-8 from 3, five rebounds, three steals

Keyontae Johnson: 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, six rebounds

Jahmi’us Ramsey: 23 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 3-of-5 from 3, five assists, five rebounds

KJ Williams: 15 points on 6-of-22 shooting, 1-of-9 from 3, 15 rebounds

Jordan Walsh: 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, 2-of-8 from 3, 10 rebounds

Drew Peterson: 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 4-of-8 from 3, six rebounds

J.D. Davison: 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting, 2-of-6 from 3, 10 assists, five steals

DJ Steward: 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 1-of-7 from 3, 12 rebounds, five assists

The full highlights from the Blue’s 11-point loss to the Boston Celtics’ G League affiliate can be watched below:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]