We didn't see again Ousmane Dieng on NBA courts since November 28. Out of Mark Daigneault's rotation in Oklahoma, the Frenchman was only allowed 1min30 of playing time that evening, against the Wolves.
Overall, the 20-year-old winger had only played the courts of the Great League for ten minutes in a month. Currently in 2nd place in the West (15 wins – 7 losses), the Thunder had decided to send “Frenchy” to the G-League, so that he could stretch his legs and work in the 'antechamber.
With 16.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in 15 shots per match, over 7 meetings with the Blue, Ousmane Dieng was able to keep the rhythm and it showed against Jazz, when he was revived by his coach.
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With 18 points at 6/7 shooting including 3/4 from distance, plus 3 rebounds and 3 assists in 26 minutes, the native of Villeneuve-sur-Lot clearly had his best game of the season. From the corner, he punished Jazz with his outside skill, but also by cutting towards the circle, to dunk several times into an empty racket.
“I think it validates the time he spent in the G-League”appreciated Mark Daigneault. “He’s a better player. He was very sharp during the minutes he played. »
“It was a good time with the Blue” confirmed Ousmane Dieng at a press conference after the meeting. “It gave me confidence and minutes. They wanted me to play with the Blue like I play here (with the Thunder). It was good for me and today I was able to show the progress I have made. »
To see if this allows him to reintegrate the rotation of the first team in the short and medium term.
