Thunder’s Rising Star Dominates at the Rim in Summer League Thriller Against Ignite…see more…
LAS VEGAS — The NBA Summer League has long been a proving ground for rising stars, and on Wednesday night, one name stood above the rest. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng delivered a commanding performance, showcasing his athleticism and dominance at the rim in a high-energy win over the G League Ignite squad.
In a game that drew a sizable crowd to the Thomas & Mack Center, Dieng finished with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, electrifying fans with a series of emphatic dunks, including a powerful putback that brought the arena to its feet. His effort helped Oklahoma City secure a 98-91 victory in one of the most thrilling contests of the week so far.
The highlight of the night came early in the third quarter. After teammate Cason Wallace missed a driving layup, Dieng soared above two defenders to snatch the rebound midair and flush it down with authority. The play instantly made the rounds on social media and symbolized the 21-year-old’s coming-of-age moment in Vegas.
“This is what the Summer League is all about — putting in the work, showing you belong,” said Dieng postgame. “I’ve been preparing for this all offseason, and I’m trying to prove I can be a key piece for this Thunder team moving forward.”
Dieng, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has had a relatively quiet start to his NBA career, splitting time between the Thunder and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. But after adding noticeable strength in the offseason and continuing to refine his jumper, he looks like a different player on the court.
Thunder assistant coach Kameron Woods, who is leading the Summer League squad, praised Dieng’s maturity and development.
“Ousmane’s playing with a purpose,” Woods said. “He’s trusting the system, making the right reads, and most importantly, being aggressive without forcing it. When he attacks the basket like that, he’s a problem for any defender.”
While Dieng drew the spotlight, the rest of the Thunder squad also made notable contributions. Rookie guard Reed Sheppard chipped in 16 points and dished out six assists, showing excellent pace and court vision. Chet Holmgren, sitting out for rest, watched from the sideline while his teammates held down the paint.
The Ignite, led by projected 2025 lottery pick D.J. Wagner, stayed competitive throughout the contest. Wagner finished with 18 points and 5 assists, displaying the same poise and scoring touch that made him a standout in high school. However, the team struggled to contain Oklahoma City’s physicality in the paint, giving up 52 points inside and losing the rebounding battle 43-35.
“We gave up too many second-chance opportunities,” Ignite head coach Jason Hart said. “They punished us on the boards and that ultimately cost us the game. But these are young guys getting experience. We’ll take the lessons and grow from it.”
The Summer League has provided an important stage for players like Dieng, Wagner, and others to either solidify their NBA futures or rise into the national conversation. With veteran Thunder players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey expected to log heavy minutes this upcoming season, it’s critical for bench players to carve out roles during this stretch.
For Dieng, his performance wasn’t just about stats — it was about showing confidence, leadership, and presence. Thunder GM Sam Presti has long emphasized internal growth and development over splashy acquisitions, and seeing a young player take a leap in real time is a testament to that philosophy.
“The game is slowing down for me,” Dieng explained. “I know where I’m supposed to be. I trust the coaches and my teammates. This is the most comfortable I’ve felt on a court since coming into the league.”
With several more Summer League games to play, the Thunder staff is expected to keep giving Dieng significant minutes. If his production continues, he may enter training camp with a legitimate chance to secure a full-time role in the Thunder’s rotation.
Meanwhile, Wagner and his Ignite teammates will look to bounce back in their next matchup. Despite the loss, Wagner remains a projected top-5 pick in 2025, and scouts continue to rave about his playmaking and feel for the game.
“He’s got the intangibles,” one Western Conference scout told reporters. “The shot will come. But his ability to read defenses, control tempo, and stay calm in big moments — that’s what makes him special.”
As for Dieng, Wednesday’s performance may go down as a pivotal moment in his career. While it’s still early in the Summer League, it’s clear that he’s taken a major step in his development — both physically and mentally.
“You can just tell he wants it,” said Thunder Summer League teammate Keyontae Johnson. “Every practice, every rep, he’s locked in. He’s not out here to just play — he’s here to dominate.”
If that mindset carries into the regular season, Oklahoma City’s deep and talented roster could become even more dangerous. With Holmgren anchoring the middle, SGA controlling the tempo, and young wings like Dieng making leaps, the Thunder’s rebuild may be nearing its next stage: contention.
For now, though, the Summer League rolls on. But in Las Vegas, amid the noise and the lights, Ousmane Dieng made sure his name will be remembered — with a thundero
us dunk that echoed far beyond the gym.
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