Lessons Learned: Three Takeaways From the OKC Thunder's Loss in Charlotte

With the absence of the Oklahoma City Thunder's starting five, the bench unit nearly defeated the Charlotte Hornets in a neck-and-neck game.

Yesterday, the Oklahoma City Thunder matched up against the Charlotte Hornets in their third game of the preseason. 

The Thunder were without its five starters – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren – amongst others, in what was a game for the bottom of the rotation to showcase its talent. 

Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams were standouts, but it wasn't enough, with the team falling to Charlotte, 117-115.

Let's dive into three lessons that can be learned from yesterday's game:

Oct 15, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Vasilije Micic (29) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) in the first half at Spectrum Center / © Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylin Williams Will Back Holmgren up Perfectly

In his rookie season, Jaylin showed some promise in his limited average of 18 minutes of playing time, averaging 5.9 points per game with 4.9 rebounds. He demonstrated the ability to knockdown the 3-pointer at an impressive rate, shooting 40% on 2.3 attempts per game.

However, his lack of being a strong interior defensive presence has caused problems, and he will be seen in a bench role behind Holmgren this season. 

Williams played a fantastic game in Charlotte, scoring 18 points, grabbing nine rebounds and three assists, and even recording a block. He played great defense overall, putting the pressure at the by rim grabbing boards. The 3-point shot also looked good, hitting two out of his four attempts. 

The most underrated aspect of Williams' game is his playmaking ability. The forward is very skilled at making smart passes to his teammates, setting them up however he can. This skill on top of his floor-spacing and rebounding makes for a fantastic rotation piece for the Thund

If Williams produces similar numbers this season, he will be an important piece on the Oklahoma City bench. Not only can he be an energy piece that can take the place of Holmgren, but his floor-spacing ability can allow him to play alongside the rookie. 

Cason Wallace's Preseason Ends Here

After suffering a sprained left toe after only eight minutes of play, Cason Wallace was listed out for the rest of the game, likely ending his preseason. 

The rookie guard started the game off strong, scoring five points on 2-of-3 shooting by cutting to the basket at a rapid pace. He had the opportunity to impress the Charlotte crowd with the absence of Oklahoma City's starting guards, but his night ended prematurely. 

Wallace struggled shooting the ball against San Antonio and Detroit – combining 3-for-10 from the field – but displayed aggressive defense by grabbing three steals against the Spurs. 

If Wallace can combine his cutting and defensive ability with improved shooting over the season, Oklahoma City could have multiple players getting All-Rookie consideration. 

Let's Talk Tre Mann

Out of the majority of the Oklahoma City roster, no player's future with the organization has been debated more than Tre Mann. 

After a solid rookie season, Mann saw a dip in his sophomore season production. His role with the Thunder has been questioned due to its crowded guard rotation, and with a roster that has to be trimmed down before the season, Mann has been considered one of the likeliest players to be moved. 

Yesterday's game against Charlotte provided Mann with a great opportunity to showcase his game, resulting in an 18-point, five-assist and eight-rebound effort. He struggled to shoot the ball in the beginning of the game, but ended the game at a respectable 7-for-16.

Mann's performance had its bright spots, but the efficiency improving would secure his place in the organization in a better position. He has some questionable decision-making at times and can be quick to shoot, but with the praise he gets from his teammates regarding his work ethic behind the scenes, it's something the guard will continually work on improving. 

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The loss brings the Thunder to a 1-2 preseason record, dropping their last two games against Eastern Conference opponents. It was a valiant effort an Oklahoma City team without its starting five, against a Charlotte team with LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier. 

The Thunder will next play the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7:00 p.m. CT, back in Oklahoma City. It will be the Thunder's first look at the Bucks' newest duo: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. 

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