The NBA Summer League is in full swing, and the spotlight is on three former Iowa Hawkeyes who are now teammates with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort, and Josh Dix are showcasing their skills in Las Vegas, drawing attention from basketball fans and scouts alike.
After a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, the Thunder are looking to bounce back against the Golden State Warriors. Stirtz led the team in scoring with an impressive 18 points, while Sandfort and Dix also made significant contributions. The game is set to tip off at 5 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.
The Rise of the Hawkeyes in the NBA
The NBA Summer League is a platform for young talent to shine, and the former Hawkeyes are no exception. Stirtz, Sandfort, and Dix have quickly become key players for the Thunder, demonstrating their potential and teamwork on the court.
Stirtz’s performance against the Lakers was particularly noteworthy. He scored 18 points, including three three-pointers, and also contributed with two assists, one steal, and one block. Sandfort added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Dix chipped in with eight points. Their combined efforts highlight the strong foundation they built during their time at Iowa.
A Closer Look at the Summer League Schedule
The NBA Summer League is a multi-day event featuring all 30 NBA teams. The games are being held at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, with tickets starting at $68 for single-day admission. The league runs through July 19, offering a packed schedule of exciting matchups.
On Sunday, July 12, the Thunder will face the Golden State Warriors, who are coming off a strong win against the Dallas Mavericks. Other notable games include the Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans and the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons. The league has seen standout performances from players like Trevor Keels of the Miami Heat and Johni Broome of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Notable Performances and Highlights
The NBA Summer League has been a stage for emerging stars to make their mark. Trevor Keels of the Miami Heat scored a game-high 32 points, while Johni Broome of the Philadelphia 76ers posted a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. These performances underscore the competitive nature of the league and the potential for future success.
In addition to the on-court action, the Summer League has attracted notable figures from the sports and entertainment worlds. Jaylen Brown, the newly acquired star of the Philadelphia 76ers, was spotted in Las Vegas, as was two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller. Their presence adds to the excitement and glamour of the event.
As the NBA Summer League continues, all eyes will be on the former Iowa Hawkeyes and their journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their performances not only reflect their individual talents but also the strong basketball program at the University of Iowa. Fans and scouts alike are eager to see how these young players will develop and contribute to their respective teams in the future.
