It’s not playoff or regular season hoops in Chesapeake Energy Arena, but these Summer League games in Orlando are often exciting and compelling, as they have been late into the fourth quarter in all three of the Thunder’s games this week. What they also are is critical to the potential professional careers for so many players on the rosters, who are hoping for a look in the NBA, D-League or overseas.
With Thunder regulars Cameron Payne, Mitch McGary and Josh Huestis sitting out of Monday’s Fourth of July game against the Charlotte Hornets, other players on the Thunder roster had an opportunity to step up. It was a battle and a tight finish, but the Thunder couldn’t quite complete their comeback in a 78-74 loss. Still, Thunder Summer League coach Mark Daigneault was impressed by the players’ commitment to the group.
“The guys that aren’t on an NBA roster, this is a really big week for them and moment for them,” Daigneault explained. “We’ve tried to sell an identity and a style of play that they’ve stuck to.”
“I’ll give this team a lot of credit,” he continued. They’ve done a great job all week so far and definitely tonight of playing to an identity.”
One of those players doing his job on the court all night was point guard Semaj Christon, a 2014 second round draft selection who has played with the Oklahoma City Blue and overseas in Italy. Christon got north-south on his drives, attacked the paint and generated opportunities for the team, keeping the scoreboard moving even when shots weren’t falling. He finished with a game-high 23 points, knocking down 14-of-18 free throws as the Thunder got to the line 40 times total.
“He’s an aggressive player. He gets in the lane. He’s tough, he can finish and get fouled,” Daigneault explained. “He handled the game really well tonight.”
“It was just being aggressive, getting to the paint,” Christon explained. “If they stop me, kick it out to my guys. If not, try to finish around the rim.”
The Thunder fell behind by as many as 13 points in this one, and could have called off the dogs. But in the fourth quarter they showed some fire, and used a 10-4 burst to pull within 66-64 with 4:27 remaining. Even after that, Charlotte’s lead swelled back up to 71-64, but a layup and two free throws by Christon, a Daniel Hamilton free throw and a Scottie Wilbekin three-point play made it 76-74 Hornets with 30.4 seconds to go.
Unfortunately Charlotte’s Aaron Harrison drew a foul late in the shot clock and hit two free throws, ending the comeback hopes.
“What I liked was clearly the effort, toughness and resilience. I was really proud tonight of the way we played,” Daigneault said. “We got punched in the stomach a couple times and just kept coming.
“We played really hard. We all stuck together. We kept fighting,” Christon said. “I’m proud of the guys and fought to the end.”
Full video: Day 3 Postgame Reaction