Holmgren and Tre Mann Power the Thunder in NBA Summer League Showdown With Jazz

Stars of the Night Included Holmgren’ Return and Tre Man’s Dunk

Oklahoma City Thunder made a thunderous statement as they rolled past the Jazz. The Thunder’s victory over the Jazz, with a final NBA score of 95-85, became secondary to the highly-anticipated return of Holmgren. It was a true NBA Summer League showdown.

Chet Holmgren’s Return

The star of the night was none other than Chet Holmgren. After a year-long absence from competitive play due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, Holmgren showcased his resilience and unleashed his immense talent on the court.

It was clear that Holmgren was back with a vengeance. Although Holmgren battled early rust in the first quarter, he gradually found his rhythm and settled into the NBA game.

In the second quarter, he drove fearlessly to the basket, absorbing contact and converting the shot. As the ball swished through the net, Holmgren let himself drop onto the court, his long arms outstretched. Despite looking exhausted and battered, he proved that he was ready to make his mark once again.

“It’s an incredible feeling to finally be back on the court after nearly a year. I’ve been pushing myself every day, staying focused and dedicated to my recovery. This game feels like a reward for all that hard work.” Expressing joy and relief, Holmgren shared

How It All Went Down

The 7-foot-1 center started the game and played an impressive 29 minutes. He contributed 15 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field, predominantly making his impact near the rim. Holmgren also showcased his versatility with nine rebounds and two assists. However, it was his defensive prowess that truly stole the show. Throughout the NBA matchup game, he recorded an impressive four blocks, including a jaw-dropping rejection in the fourth quarter. Notably, in last year’s Salt Lake City Summer League debut, he tallied six blocks, further emphasizing his defensive prowess.

Holmgren’s presence on the court provided a sense of security for the Thunder, particularly in protecting the paint. His shot-blocking ability instilled confidence in his teammates, as guard Jalen Williams remarked, “Having Holmgren around makes it so much easier to defend. It boosts our confidence and allows us to be more aggressive against our opponents.”

Tre Mann’s Thunderous Dunk Shakes the Summer League

In a jaw-dropping moment that left spectators in awe, Tre Mann of the Thunder soared to new heights with an incredible dunk during the second quarter. The victim of his monstrous jam was none other than Jazzman Micah Potter, as Mann elevated from the left side of the paint, unleashing a thunderous right-handed slam right over Potter’s head.

The dunk sent shockwaves through the arena, prompting Thunder guard Jalen Williams to exclaim, “That was the most mind-blowing dunk I’ve witnessed on the court!” Mann seemed suspended in mid-air, giving the cameras an extra moment to capture the sheer magnitude of his aerial display. When asked about the moment, Mann simply stated, “That’s exactly what it felt like.”

Mann, who is entering a crucial third NBA season, made his presence felt not only with his remarkable dunk but also with his overall performance. He poured in 20 points, shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc and displaying his versatility on both ends of the court.

Jalen Williams Dominates the Court

Jalen Williams, a standout rookie and runner-up for NBA Rookie of the Year, displayed his exceptional skills in the Summer League clash. By halftime, he had already amassed an impressive 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, appearing to be overqualified for the Summer League, as if he had been invited to the playground by mistake, leaving opponents in awe.

When asked about his stellar performance, Williams humbly expressed, “I love playing basketball, so it’s a blast to be out here competing. Finally, I can leave behind the practices against coaches throughout the summer.”

Williams wasted no time making an impact, scoring the Thunder’s first nine points of the game. Although he scored all his points before halftime, his remarkable display left a lasting impression.

Update on Pregame Absences

Center Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and NBA rookie wing Keyontae Johnson were absent from Thunder’s Summer League. Robinson-Earl sustained a right ankle sprain, while Johnson experienced a right hamstring strain. Both NBA players will sit out the duration of the Salt Lake City Summer League, although their participation in the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League remains undetermined.

Robinson-Earl’s right ankle has been a recurring concern, as he missed a significant portion of last season due to a similar basketball injury. Having recently solidified his place with a guaranteed $1.9 million salary for this season, he holds a team option for the following year. Robinson-Earl was the 32nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Johnson, who was drafted by the Thunder with the 50th pick in the 2023 draft, will have to wait to make his debut in the team’s uniform.

In spite of their absence, the Thunder showcased their depth and resilience, securing an impressive victory against the Jazz.

Other Highlights From the Sides

  • Vasilije Micic and Jack White, newly signed Thunder players, were seen sitting near the team’s bench.
    Cason Wallace, currently with the team in Salt Lake City, will not participate until the Las Vegas Summer League, as he awaits the completion of a trade to finalize his official membership with the Thunder.
  • The NBA Summer League has exploded into action with Chet Holmgren’s triumphant return, Tre Mann’s awe-inspiring dunk, and Jalen Williams’ dominant performance. As the Thunder reign supreme in their opening game, we can anticipate more electrifying moments in the upcoming clashes.

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