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TULSA – In a preseason opener that showcased the Oklahoma City Thunder's depth, the team fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 116-110 at the BOK Center. Despite the loss, the Thunder's young prospects provided plenty of excitement, particularly in a first half that saw them build a commanding lead.
Jared McCain needed just one dribble before launching a near full-court pass to Aday Mara, who finished with a thunderous alley-oop. The duo lit up the first half, and everything clicked for the Thunder's B squad. Even with the main rotation resting, the Tulsa crowd got their money's worth as OKC proved they remain 17-deep.
Mara set the tone early, contesting Yves Missi's dunk attempt and picking up a foul, which amped up his physicality. Kenrich Williams ignited the offense with a left-wing 3-pointer, and from there, the basket stayed wide open. Crisp ball movement, sans Ajay Mitchell's hero-shot moments, allowed the Thunder to bury the Pelicans from beyond the arc. McCain and Bennett Stirtz were the primary sharpshooters, combining for a barrage of outside jumpers.
After the first quarter, OKC led 34-28, and the onslaught continued. A 14-3 run in the second quarter extended the lead, with Mara affecting shots at the rim and running the floor for transition layups. The 2026 NBA draft's No. 12 pick quickly excited fans about his potential. The Thunder poured in 33 points in the second quarter to take a 67-52 halftime lead, all while the Pelicans ran out their Opening Night starters. McCain capped the half with a trick-shot jumper, and that was enough for the coaching staff.
In the second half, with the Pelicans still deploying Zion Williamson and company, the Thunder rolled out their C squad, featuring two-way players and Exhibit-10 signees. Stirtz was the only constant from the first half, as even Mara had shown enough to earn a short night. The lack of NBA talent on the floor reflected on the scoreboard. The Pelicans began to claw back, and OKC managed only 26 points in the third quarter while their defense fell apart. After three frames, the lead had shrunk to 93-90.
The avalanche continued in the final period. New Orleans strung together 11 consecutive points, and Bryce McGowens swished an outside jumper to tie the game at 107. Karlo Matkovic then put the Pelicans ahead with over five minutes remaining. OKC's offense, led by their third-stringers, completely fell apart, scoring only 17 points in the fourth quarter. Stirtz twisted his ankle and had to leave early, and the Thunder suffered a blown 24-point meltdown. By the final buzzer, the BOK Center was mostly empty, with fans having filed out.
Statistically, the Thunder shot 53% from the field and 16-of-33 (48.5%) from 3, while making 14-of-21 free throws. They recorded 29 assists on 40 baskets, and six players scored in double digits. Mara led with 12 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Stirtz added 15 points and six assists, McCain had 12 points and five assists, Mitchell finished with 11 points and four assists, and Brooks Barnhier contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.
For the Pelicans, they shot 40% from the field and 12-of-33 (36.4%) from 3, and they made 34-of-47 free throws. They had 24 assists on 35 baskets, with five players scoring in double figures. Zion Williamson was quiet with 11 points and four rebounds, Trey Murphy III had 11 points and three rebounds, Jeremiah Fears tallied 12 points and two rebounds, Bennedict Mathurin popped off for 13 points and five assists, and Derik Queen had 10 points and nine rebounds.
Key Analysis
This preseason game offered a promising glimpse into the Thunder's developmental pipeline. Aday Mara's performance was particularly eye-opening. He stood his ground defensively, swatting away shots and running the floor for easy buckets. His 12 points on perfect 5-of-5 shooting, nine rebounds, and three blocks in just one half showcased his potential. Mara's improved conditioning was evident, and his playmaking chops were on display as the Thunder rotated around him. If he continues to develop, he could be another steal for OKC.
Jared McCain also made a strong impression. With OKC's top players out, he embraced the role of top scoring option, nailing three outside jumpers in the opening frame. His confidence and scoring ability were on full display, and he sat out the second half after proving his point. McCain's personality and play have already made him a fan favorite, and he's poised for a significant role as a bench scorer.
Bennett Stirtz showed why he could be a day-one contributor. He knocked down back-to-back outside jumpers and finished with 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds. His natural feel in a secondary role was evident, and if he can consistently hit catch-and-shoot looks, he'll force his way into the rotation. However, his ankle sprain is a concern moving forward.
Ajay Mitchell had a tough shooting night (2-of-7) but still contributed 11 points by attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line (6-of-6). His aggressive playstyle is valued, and he's expected to be a key scorer this season. The Thunder's decision to play him only in the first half might hint at his role as a starter, especially with Cason Wallace in street clothes.
Overall, the Thunder's young core showed tangible proof of being NBA contributors. The first half was a statement, and while the second half unraveled, the experience was valuable. OKC's future looks bright with Mara and Stirtz leading the charge.
Originally reported by yahoo.