Bennett Stirtz Scores 26 Points in Thunder Preseason Game

Bennett Stirtz scored 26 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Monday preseason exhibition against the Atlanta Hawks, where the rookie guard started and recorded six three-pointers while several key players rested, according to NBC Sports and CBS Sports.

NBC Sports reported that Stirtz finished with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding four rebounds, five assists and six made three-pointers. He converted six of nine attempts from beyond the arc in the exhibition.

CBS Sports reported that Stirtz entered the Atlanta matchup as a starter because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain were among the Oklahoma City guards resting.

Across two preseason appearances, CBS Sports reported that Stirtz was averaging 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 26.4 minutes per game before the Hawks exhibition.

Daily Thunder reported that Stirtz also impressed in Oklahoma City's preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans at the BOK Center in Tulsa. The Thunder lost that game 116-110 after leading early before reducing the roles of key players in the second half.

In the Pelicans game, Daily Thunder reported that Stirtz posted 15 points, six rebounds and six assists while shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range.

NBC Sports noted that Stirtz was a first-round pick in June and could have a limited immediate role with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder backcourt. The team scheduled a home game Tuesday, affecting which players traveled to Atlanta.

Oklahoma City continues its preseason schedule with roster evaluations focused on younger players, including Stirtz, after his early exhibition performances.