Orlando Summer League recap: Thunder pull away late in the game in win over Orlando Blue

Orlando- The Oklahoma City Thunder summer league team pulled out a satisfying win over the Orlando Magic Blue team, 73-65.  With the win, they recorded another 6.5 points in the league putting them at 13, the most out of any team after playing two games (a few teams have played three games).

The Thunder were led, yet again, by Mitch McGary.  McGary continued to show his improved shot and conditioning.  While he wasn't so active on the boards, he scored 19 points on 9-12 shooting, and put together a string of "point-guard-like" passes.

"I stayed within my game, I didn't try to force too many things.  I'm not at a level where I can be the star of a team.  I'm not going to be the star of a team.  I am going to facilitate and try to play within my team, within my game," McGary added in a post-game interview.

Semaj Christon had a nice game despite his 9 Westbrook-esque turnovers.  He added 9 assists to his stat-line, as well as 12 points on 5/13 shooting.

One player that has gone under the radar throughout summer league is Levi Randolph.  Randolph scored 12 points, attempted 11 free throws, and filled the energy creator role on the team.  He ran the floor extremely well.

The Thunder won a game against a team consisting of three lottery picks in Elfrid Payton, Aaron Gordon, and Mario Hezonja; their odds of winning were not in the youthful Orlando team's favor.  Aaron Gordon continued his summer success with 21 points on 8/11 shooting.  He grabbed 10 rebounds, though, it seemed like he grabbed them all.  Mario Hezonja had a rough shooting game, but he wow-ed spectators at Amway with his high-flying dunks, or lack thereof (he missed two late in the game).

OKC entered the fourth quarter leading by just 1 point, but they pulled away with 7 minutes left.  That was when Orlando's inexperience began to show.  They outscored Orlando by 7 points in the fourth.

Overall, the Thunder shot 43.1% from the field but struggled from behind the arc with an 8.3 3PT%.  Their marksman, Travis Bader, struggled to get into a flow.  Nevertheless, it was a convincing win for a team that consists of just one experienced Thunder player.

OKC will play the Los Angeles Clippers tomorrow at 5 PM EST.

Extra Notes:

- McGary is a perfect example for what a point forward is supposed to be.  He loves to get his guys the ball. In a post-game interview, he said he kept trying to get Travis Bader looks.  He is a true team player.

- McGary faced off with Aaron Gordon late in the game and showed that he can compete with the best.  He gave Gordon some trouble.

- There is a spot in the league for Dakari Johnson.  He brings a tough, hard nosed mindset, just like OKC's other big men.

- Cameron Payne is dying to get out on the floor.  When he was asked what the appearance of Durant, Morrow, and Waiters meant, he simply said he wants to play to show them that he's good.

- On another note, Mario Hezonja is going to be one of the most exciting players in the NBA one day.  Every time he touched the ball, I was on the edge of my seat.