Oklahoma City Thunder roster news: Domantas Sabonis impressed in tune-up
With training camp underway, the fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder were given the first look on how the team would fare in real-game situations.
Many expected some minutes from Russell Westbrook, and some also knew that the team would start off easy and slow, as they are in the preseason, but a young rookie decided to make his presence felt.
Domantas Sabonis, who came in from the Orlando Magic after being part of a trade, made a great impression in front of the team and the fans.
After going through a sluggish start, the team needed to be lifted and the rookie performed.
In front of 2,000 fans at the John Marshall Mid-High, Sabonis eventually scored 14 points to help the White Team win 73–67 over the Blue Team.
Playing alongside assumed starting five members Steve Adams, Victor Oladipo, Andre Roberson and Russell Westbrook, Sabonis definitely did his best as he scored 10 points in the first quarter by making his first four shots from the field.
His performance definitely warranted some praises from his teammates, with Westbrook admitting that Sabonis certainly knows the game.
Westbrook said: "He's a man. He knows how to play the game. He knows how to pick his spots. As you can see, he can play."
Along with Sabonis, Roberson also displayed improvement from last year.
Utilized for his defense last campaign, Roberson averaged only 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, but showed impressive ball-handling skills during the tune-up game.
In fact, he finished the match with a game-high six assists along with 14 points.
However, despite a good play, Roberson reverted to Sabonis' game and gave the rookie high praises.
He said, "He knows the game very well. He gonna be a big part for us this year. He knows where to be on the court. He's getting familiar with everyone chemistry-wise," NewsOK reported.
Things are certainly still promising for the Thunder, and more pre-season games are left to display how they can gel as a team.