FORT WORTH, TX — The OKC Thunder didn’t have a lone starter available during its trip to Texas.
With most of its usual contributors not traveling for the preseason game, OKC suffered a 106-89 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
After trailing by as many as 32 points, the Thunder made a late comeback attempt to trim the deficit to just six with 3:59 remaining. But it ultimately fell short, bringing its preseason record to 1-1.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
Cason Wallace returns to Dallas-Fort Worth area
OKC has yet to play most of its key contributors this preseason.
It packed light when it traveled to North Charleston in South Carolina for a game against Charlotte on Sunday. The Thunder was without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell.
OKC was severely short-handed again Monday, but the only player from that group who suited up this time was Wallace. It was a chance to play close to home for the third-year guard, who grew up outside of Dallas in the city of Richardson.
Wallace struggled to get his shots to drop throughout the night. He finished with eight points on 3-for-14 shooting from the field (1 for 6 from deep) in 25 minutes. But he still stuffed the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Brooks Barnhizer takes the wind out of Cooper Flagg’s sails
Cooper Flagg was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. He was hailed by scouts and those around the league as a future superstar. And he was the main attraction Monday, as he made his preseason debut for Dallas.
But Brooks Barnhizer wasn’t moved. Literally.
When Flagg gathered a pass at the top of the arc early in the first quarter, he leaned into Barnhizer to see if he’d budge. He didn’t. Flagg then tried to create space with a few dribble moves. But Barnhizer, a Caruso in training, stood his ground again and forced a heave that was way off.
Flagg only played during the first half, and he certainly showed superstar potential by recording 10 points and six rebounds in 14 minutes. Still, he went 1 for 3 from the field (0 for 1 from deep) when guarded by Barnhizer.
It’s a testament to the tenacity of the rookie forward, who should fit in well with the defensive-minded Thunder. Barnhizer also impressed offensively by scoring a game-high 16 points on 4-for-10 shooting from the field (1 for 3 from deep) in 37 minutes. He recorded seven rebounds, two assists and one steal as well.
Zack Austin shows 3-and-D potential
OKC was without 12 players from its 21-man training camp roster on Monday.
That freed up some minutes for Zack Austin, who made the most of them. The undrafted rookie forward poured in 13 points, one steal and one block in 22 minutes on 4-for-9 shooting from the field (3 for 7 from deep).
Austin was a five-year college player who began his career at High Point and finished at Pittsburgh. He shined as a 3-and-D threat, becoming the first player in NCAA history to record three seasons with at least 50 made 3-pointers and 50 blocked shots.
Austin should continue to receive opportunities this preseason with OKC, which is unlikely to play its usual contributors much.
Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jm*******@*******an.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
Thunder vs. Hornets
TIPOFF: 7 p.m. Thursday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City (FanDuel Sports Network)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Short-handed Thunder drops preseason game to Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
