Thunder Reserves Struggle in Preseason Loss to Mavericks

The defending champion (yes, I'm going to do that all the time, thank you) Oklahoma City Thunder couldn’t find their rhythm in Fort Worth on Monday night, falling 106-89 to the Dallas Mavericks in preseason action.

OKC shot just 30.9% from the field and 27.5% from three (14-of-51). After a competitive start, Dallas ran away with the game thanks to a 37-20 second quarter. Rookie Brooks Barnhizer led the Thunder with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Jaylin Williams added 14 and Ousmane Dieng chipped in 12.

Dallas played their anticipated regular season starting 5, including no. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks dominated inside, winning the battle of the boards (58-43) and points in the paint (46-24). Flagg looked solid in his debut performance, scoring 10 points, while adding 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

On the other hand, only three regular rotation players from last season suited up for the Thunder (Isaiah Joe, Jaylin Williams, and Cason Wallace).

The Thunder defense was a bright spot, forcing 14 steals and 23 Dallas turnovers for 35 points.

Oklahoma City (1-1) hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Paycom Center. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and on KSBI over the air.