Tag: OKC Blue

Recap: OKC Blue start second half of season with 117-111 loss to Celtics

Recap: OKC Blue starts second half of season with 117-111 loss to Maine Celtics.

The G League’s OKC Blue began the second half of the 2023-24 regular season with a close loss to the Maine Celtics, 117-111.

The home loss drops the Blue to 0-1: Records are reset following the G League’s Winter Showcase.

The Blue fell behind early, trailing the Celtics, 31-27, following the first quarter. The second quarter was deadlocked at 35, and OKC entered halftime trailing, 66-62.

The Blue entered the final frame trailing by two points, but a 10-3 run by Maine ballooned that deficit to nine less than three minutes into the fourth quarter.

OKC managed to come back and take a 100-99 lead, but Maine responded and never relinquished the lead again the rest of the way.

In the final two minutes, the Blue cut it to a three-point game, but couldn’t complete the comeback despite several opportunities.

The Blue shot 46% from the field and went 13-of-37 (35.1%) from 3. OKC dished 28 assists on its 40 baskets. Seventeen turnovers contributed to the Blue taking 15 fewer shots than the Celtics.

Meanwhile, the Celtics shot 42% from the field and went 15-of-46 (32.6%) from 3. They dished 27 assists and grabbed 55 rebounds, which included 16 offensive boards.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, 2-of-5 from 3, three assists
  • Lindy Waters III: 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 5-of-9 from 3, six rebounds, four assists
  • Keyontae Johnson: 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, three rebounds, three steals
  • Olivier Sarr: 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting, 11 rebounds
  • Drew Peterson: 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting, 10 rebounds, five assists
  • JD Davison: 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 10 rebounds, six assists
  • Jordan Schakel: 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, 5-of-10 from 3
  • Jordan Walsh: 14 points on 4-of-12 shooting, nine rebounds, three steals

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

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OKC Thunder assign Ousmane Dieng to G League’s Blue

OKC Thunder assign Ousmane Dieng to G League’s Blue.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Wednesday they had assigned second-year forward Ousmane Dieng to the G League’s OKC Blue.

Dieng’s G League assignments have been a regular occurrence through two seasons. The 20-year-old hasn’t established himself in the Thunder’s rotation, so playing with the Blue gives him a heavy dose of playing time.

The Blue and Thunder are scheduled to play at Paycom Center on Wednesday, which means this could be a one-game assignment for Dieng.

In nine games with the Blue, Dieng is averaging 17.2 points on 45.3% shooting, 7.8 rebounds and three assists.

In 18 games with the Thunder, 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.

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Recap: OKC Blue collect 121-103 win over Cleveland Charge in Winter Showcase

Recap: OKC Blue collects 121-103 win over Cleveland Charge in Winter Showcase.

The OKC Blue wrapped up their Winter Showcase with a dominating 121-103 win over the Cleveland Charge on Friday at Orlando.

The Blue (10-6) conclude their part of the showcase with two wins in as many games.

The Blue held a 33-30 lead after the first quarter. A 35-point second quarter expanded that lead to 68-52 at halftime. OKC added to its lead in the third quarter, and it entered the final frame with a 101-81 advantage.

The Blue shot 51% from the field and went 17-of-40 (42.5%) from 3. OKC totaled 28 assists on its 45 buckets. The Blue had five players score double-digit points, including two 20-point outings.

Meanwhile, the Charge were limited to 42% from the field and went 17-of-51 (33.3%) from 3. Cleveland had seven double-digit scorers, but nobody surpassed 17 points.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 19 points on 9-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds, four assists
  • Jahmi’us Ramsey: 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting, 4-of-7 from 3, 11 rebounds
  • Miller Kopp: 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 5-of-10 from 3, six rebounds
  • Jaden Shackelford: 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, 4-of-10 from 3, four assists, three rebounds
  • Hunter Maldonado: 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 2-of-4 from 3, nine rebounds, five assists, four steals
  • Zhaire Smith: 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, three rebounds
  • Justin Powell: 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3, four rebounds
  • Pete Nance: 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, 12 rebounds, six assists

The full highlights from the Blue’s 18-point win over the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Recap: OKC Blue win Winter Showcase contest over Wisconsin Herd, 117-116

Recap: OKC Blue win Winter Showcase contest over Wisconsin Herd, 117-116.

Two-way rookie Keyontae Johnson sealed the OKC Blue’s 117-116 win over the Wisconsin Herd with a pair of free throws in the closing seconds of Wednesday’s G League Winter Showcase game.

The win improves the Blue to 9-6 and sends them into a showcase semifinal  against the Cleveland Charge in Orlando on Friday.

The Blue held a 34-31 lead following the first quarter. The second quarter was a different story; the Herd entered halftime with a 62-57 lead. The Blue entered the final frame with a two-point lead, and it remained a back-and-forth contest. Neither team led by more than seven points.

The Blue shot 46% from the field and went 20-of-42 (47.6%) from 3. OKC distributed 26 assists on 38 made shots.

Meanwhile, the Herd shot 47% from the field and went 13-of-34 (38.2%) from 3. They dished 26 assists on 45 buckets.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting, four rebounds, three assists
  • Miller Kopp: 27 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 7-of-10 from 3, five rebounds
  • KJ Williams: 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, 4-of-10 from 3, 12 rebounds
  • TyTy Washington Jr.: 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting, five assists, four rebounds
  • Marques Boldon: 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting, seven rebounds, three assists
  • Wenyen Gabriel: 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds
  • Lindell Wigginton: 18 points on 8-of-18 shooting, 2-of-9 from 3, seven assists

The full highlights from the Blue’s one-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks’ G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Recap: OKC Blue use late run to escape with 117-112 win over Mexico City Capitanes

Recap: OKC Blue uses late run to escape with 117-112 win over Mexico City Capitanes.

After leading by as many as 21 points, the G League’s OKC Blue sweated out a 117-112 win over the Mexico City Capitanes on Wednesday to improve to 8-6.

Michael Carter-Williams sank two free throws to give the Capitanes their first lead with 1:49 left. However, Blue head coach Kameron Woods called a timeout to reorganize his players for one final run. The timeout worked: The Blue closed on a 10-3 run to secure back-to-back wins in Mexico City.

The Blue had a hot start and led 30-19 after the first quarter. By halftime, that lead grew to 56-42. A 39-point third quarter by the Capitanes cut the lead to nine entering the final frame. Mexico City tied the game at 107 with 2:36 left before Carter-Williams gave it a two-point lead, setting the stage for the Blue’s late run.

The Blue shot 51% from the field and went 12-of-28 (42.9%) from 3. Short-handed OKC had only nine players available, but six of them scored in double digits.

Meanwhile, the Capitanes shot 44% from the field and went 10-of-33 (30.3%) from 3.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 3-of-4 from 3, seven rebounds, eight turnovers
  • Hunter Maldonado: 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, 3-of-4 from 3, six assists
  • Jaden Shackelford: 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting, 4-of-11 from 3, five assists, five rebounds
  • Caleb McConnell: 10 points on 2-of-8 shooting, 12 rebounds, two steals
  • Ethan Thompson: 35 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 5-of-8 from 3, 6-of-6 from free throws, seven rebounds
  • Michael Carter-Williams: 18 points on 6-of-19 shooting, 13 assists, five rebounds, four blocks, three steals

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

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Recap: Short-handed OKC Blue lose to Mexico City Capitanes, 109-96

Recap: Short-handed OKC Blue loses to Mexico City Capitanes, 109-96.

The G League’s OKC Blue couldn’t overcome a short-handed roster in their  109-96 loss to the Mexico City Capitanes on Sunday. The road loss drops the Blue’s record to 7-6.

After allowing a 33-point first quarter, the Blue couldn’t stop the bleeding and trailed 68-51 at halftime. The Capitanes were in firm control with a double-digit lead for most of the final two quarters.

The Blue, who only had eight players available, shot 37% from the field and went 11-of-36 (30.6%) from 3. The Capitanes dominated the boards; they outrebounded the Blue, 54-42.

Meanwhile, the Capitanes shot 51% from the field and went 9-of-28 (32.1%) from 3. Mexico City scored 56 points in the paint to make up for the poor shooting outing.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, six rebounds
  • Caleb McConnell: 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting, 2-of-4 from 3, five rebounds, four steals, three assists
  • Ethan Thompson: 20 points on 5-of-12 shooting, 1-of-6 from 3, four assists, three rebounds, three steals
  • Alexey Borges: 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 6-of-8 from 3, six rebounds, four assists
  • Juan Toscano-Anderson: 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 2-of-5 from 3, 12 rebounds, six assists
  • Maozinha Pereira: 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, 14 rebounds

The full highlights from the Blue’s 13-point loss to the Capitanes can be watched below:

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

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

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Friday that they have recalled second-year forward Ousmane Dieng from the G League’s OKC Blue.

The 20-year-old was originally assigned to the Blue on Nov. 30 and played in all four home games for them this week. The Thunder took advantage of the homestand to give Dieng some in-game reps after being out of the rotation for most of the season thus far.

Before the Blue’s loss against the Osceola Magic on Friday, Dieng averaged 17.8 points on 44.1% shooting and 7.3 rebounds in six G League games.

Dieng is averaging three points and 1.8 rebounds this season. He was drafted with the No. 11 pick of the 2022 NBA draft.

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Recap: OKC Blue suffers 135-114 blowout loss to G League’s Magic

Recap: OKC Blue suffers 135-114 blowout loss to G League’s Magic.

The G League’s OKC Blue suffered a lopsided defeat to the Osceola Magic, 135-114, on Friday. The home loss drops the Blue’s record to 7-5 on the season.

The Magic grew a double-digit lead as it led 36-19 following the first quarter. By halftime, that lead expanded to 63-44. By the end of the third quarter, the Magic entered the final frame with a 25-point lead.

The Blue shot 46% from the field and went 11-of-38 (28.9%) from 3. OKC dished out 27 assists on its 40 made shots. Ball security was a problem as the Blue turned it over 22 times, which helped the Magic outshot it 101-87.

Meanwhile, the Magic shot 48% from the field and went 25-of-54 (46.3%) from 3. The Magic collected 36 assists on its 48 buckets. It also collected 14 steals.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 28 points on 8-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds, five assists
  • Lindy Waters III: 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, 2-of-10 from 3, eight rebounds, five assists
  • Ousmane Dieng: 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting, 2-of-7 from 3, six rebounds, three assists
  • Trevelin Queen: 31 points on 10-of-20 shooting, 6-of-11 from 3, six assists, five rebounds
  • Mac McClung: 21 points on 7-of-16 shooting, 4-of-8 from 3, 10 assists
  • Brandon Williams: 19 points on 6-of-20 shooting, 3-of-12 from 3, nine assists, five steals

The full highlights from the Blue’s 21-point loss to the Orlando Magic’s G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Recap: OKC Blue spoil Amen Thompson’s return with 128-126 OT win over RGV Vipers

Recap: OKC Blue spoil Amen Thompson’s return with 128-126 OT win over RGV Vipers.

Needing to sink all three free throws, Jaden Shackelford sealed the win at the charity stripe.

After nearly blowing a 21-point lead, the G League’s OKC Blue survived the Rio Grand Rapid Vipers, 128-126, in overtime on Wednesday. The home win improved the Blue’s record to 7-4.

The Blue started well, leading 33-21 following the first quarter. By halftime, OKC’s lead increased to 15, 71-56. It appeared the Blue were going to cruise to an easy win, but a 33-point fourth quarter by the Vipers forced OT.

In the G League, overtime is won by a target score of seven points instead of the traditional five-minute period. The Blue won by scoring the final three points at the line after Shackelford was fouled on a 3-point attempt.

The Blue shot 54% from the field and went 11-of-34 (32.4%) from 3. They also went 18-of-23 (78.3%) from the free-throw line. OKC dished 30 assists on 45 made shots but also turned it over a ridiculously high 27 times.

Meanwhile, the Vipers shot 43% from the field and went 16-of-46 (34.8%) from 3. They had 28 assists and 19 steals.

More importantly, this was Amen Thompson’s first game after missing a month with an ankle sprain. In his return, the 2023 No. 4 pick collected a triple-double.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting, 1-of-7 from 3, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals
  • Keyontae Johnson: 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds
  • Jaden Shackelford: 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 6-of-13 from 3, eight assists, seven rebounds
  • Caleb McConnell: 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists
  • Amen Thompson: 29 points on 12-of-26 shooting, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, two blocks
  • Cam Whitmore: 28 points on 10-of-25 shooting, 7-of-14 from 3, three rebounds, four steals
  • Jermaine Samuels Jr.: 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3, five rebounds, four assists, four steals

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

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OKC Thunder recall Tre Mann from G League’s OKC Blue

The Thunder recalled Tre Mann from the G League’s OKC Blue on Tuesday after a quick one-game assignment.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Tuesday they had recalled third-year guard Tre Mann from the G League’s OKC Blue.

This was a quick assignment for Mann. The Thunder announced the roster move on Tuesday morning. This allowed the 22-year-old to play a G League game before the Thunder’s Wednesday game against the Houston Rockets.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said during Tuesday’s practice that being able to assign and then quickly recall Mann from the Blue is one of the main benefits of both teams playing their home games at Paycom Center.

In the Blue’s 128-113 win over the Birmingham Squadron, Mann finished with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Being outside of the team’s rotation, the 22-year-old has seldom received playing time with OKC this season. In six games, he’s averaged four points on 55.6% shooting and two rebounds.

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