Mark Daigneault reflects on Dillon Jones' first NBA start against Sixers
As both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers sat out starters for different reasons, the former's 133-100 win featured several bench players who stood out. Beyond Jaylin Williams' triple-double and Aaron Wiggins' 26 points, Dillon Jones made his first career start.
Jones has had a quiet rookie season. He's spent more time on the G League's OKC Blue. The 23-year-old has spent the year developing in the background as he jumps from small-school Weber State to the NBA.
Against the Sixers, Jones finished with 11 points on 3-of-7 shooting, five rebounds and five assists. He shot 2-of-6 from 3 and went 3-of-4 on free throws.
Playing alongside Branden Carlson, Adam Flagler and Alex Ducas, there was some rapport to rely on against the depleted Sixers that stemmed from their time together this season in the G League. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was impressed.
"His work showed up. He's put a lot of work in. A lot of invisible work. He's obviously been in and out of the rotation. He's gone to the Blue and the Thunder. That takes a lot of work. It's a lot of extra time, a lot of film work, a lot of reflection," Daigneault said. "It's a lot of Blue games where there's a thousand fans at. He went out there and functioned really well. He's improved his defensive fundamentals. He's become more of a system cog on offense and I thought he was very stable tonight."
Because of the Thunder's situation as a title contender with rich depth, Jones isn't afforded the same hands-on learning experience as previous OKC rookies during its rebuild. Instead, working on his craft at the Blue with the occasional NBA minutes is the next best thing for him.
Jones' development will be an interesting storyline to follow. The Thunder envision him as a point-forward who can keep the ball moving and hit on his open shots. If he can carve out a role like that, he can be a valuable depth piece on a cost-control deal over the next several seasons.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Mark Daigneault reflects on Dillon Jones' first NBA start vs. Sixers
Topics
-
Mark Daigneault just wants a consistent whistle from the referees in the NBA playoffs
Mark Daigneault just wants a consistent whistle from the referees in the NBA playoffs.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Mark Daigneault theorizes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not getting same calls as before
Mark Daigneault theorizes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not getting same calls as before.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Dillon Hunter injury update: Clemson basketball guard injures right hand vs SMU in ACC tournament
Dillon Hunter suffered a right hand injury in the final seconds of the first half vs SMU. He returned to the starting lineup in the ACC tournament.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Pacers vs. 76ers odds, line, prediction, start time: 2025 NBA picks, March 14 best bets from proven model
SportsLine's model simulated Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers 10,000 times and revealed its NBA picks for FridayCBS Sports - 6d -
Analyzing Knicks' potential first-round matchups for 2025 NBA playoffs
With the NBA Playoffs just one month away, let's dive into the Knicks' potential first round matchup and how they stack up against each of them.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
NBA mock draft: Sixers take Alabama guard Labaron Philon in Round 2
In the latest NBA mock draft, the Philadelphia 76ers are taking Alabama guard Labaron Philon in Round 2.Yahoo Sports - 2h -
5 players who make sense as 2nd round picks for the Philadelphia 76ers
Here are five players who make sense for the Philadelphia 76ers in the second-round of the 2025 NBA draft.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Updated Mar. 19 West playoff standings as Thunder rest against Sixers
Updated Mar. 19 West playoff standings as Oklahoma City Thunder rest against the Philadelphia 76ers.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Sixers rookie Adem Bona talks biggest NBA lesson, reps needed to grow
Philadelphia 76ers rookie Adem Bona discusses his biggest NBA lessons he's learned and the reps he needs to grow as a player.Yahoo Sports - 6d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in NCAA Tournament first round
It's Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in the first round of March Madness. Follow for scores, NCAA Tournament updates from the game.Yahoo Sports - 37m -
Viktor Hovland contending at the Valspar Championship after (another) coaching change
Two weeks ago, Hovland announced a switch back to Grant Waite, insisting he's trying to "get to the bottom" of his slump.Yahoo Sports - 40m -
Auburn basketball vs Creighton: Who has edge in 2025 NCAA Tournament second round?
It’s Auburn Tigers vs. Creighton Blue Jays in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 40m -
Georgia Amoore scores 34 points and Kentucky holds off charge by Liberty for 79-78 March Madness win
Georgia Amoore scored 34 points, including three free throws in the final 10 seconds for fourth-seeded Kentucky, which nearly blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead but held on for a 79-78 victory ...Yahoo Sports - 40m -
Mexican club Leon banned from FIFA Club World Cup
Club Leon from Mexico were incensed Friday after they were banned from the June-July Club World Cup in the United States for violating rules on multi-ownership, FIFA announced Friday. A FIFA ...Yahoo Sports - 44m
More in Sports
-
Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in NCAA Tournament first round
It's Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in the first round of March Madness. Follow for scores, NCAA Tournament updates from the game.Yahoo Sports - 37m -
Poch after loss: Wearing U.S. shirt 'not enough'
Mauricio Pochettino was left visibly frustrated after the USMNT's shock 1-0 defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League, bluntly telling his players it was not enough to just simply show up in ...ESPN - 38m -
Skenes' 1-of-1 rookie card fetches record $1.11M
Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes' 2024 Topps Chrome Update MLB debut patch autograph card sold for a stunning $1.11 million, including buyer's premium.ESPN - 38m -
Bronny has season-high 17 points in Lakers' loss
Bronny James scored a season-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting and added five assists, three rebounds and a block in 30 minutes of playing time against the Bucks.ESPN - 38m -
Wood carded for signing autographs in NZ win
Chris Wood picked up a yellow card for signing autographs and taking pictures with fans during New Zealand's win over Fiji in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.ESPN - 38m