The Oklahoma City Thunder tipped off their 2026 Summer League schedule with a 111-74 blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on the 4th of July holiday.

While the final score lacked any fireworks for Thunder fans, there were still some shiny sparklers that popped off for OKC. The Oklahoma City rookies played for the first time in Thunder duds and each flashed the talent that caused Sam Presti to select them just a week and a half ago.

Aday Mara, the #12 overall pick from Michigan, scored 10 points on 5 of 8 shooting. Most of his made baskets were nice finishes off of lobs from teammates or self created buckets in the paint. The eyebrow raising play for OKC fans was Mara's turnaround baseline jumper over 7'1" Grizzlies big man Lawson Lovering. The midrange shot splashed nothing but net and showcased the massive 7'3" center's touch and potential as a shooter. Mara added 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. The standout trait in the former Wolverine's game is his passing and that playmaking proficiency was on full display in his professional premiere.

Bennett Stirtz, the #16 overall pick from Iowa, scored 10 points on 3 of 6 shooting including 2 of 3 from deep. He showed off his unlimited range on a 30 foot stepback three pointer to beat a shot clock buzzer in the second half. Stirtz added 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. The coach's son is known for having a high feel for the game and it was clear the former Hawkeye was OKC's best option running the offense.

Otega Oweh, the #41 overall pick from Kentucky, scored 8 points on 3 of 7 shooting. The wing's calling cards are defense and athleticism and he exhibited both on Saturday afternoon. The former Wildcat (and former Oklahoma Sooner) hounded Memphis with his aggressive hands and used his strength and hops for the flashiest dunk of the game. Oweh added 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

Thunder fans ultimately should pay no mind to the final score of this game. Memphis boasts probably the most stacked roster in Summer League. Headlined by #3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, the Grizzlies also featured the NBA experienced Cedric Coward, Taylor Hendricks, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack. That team is going to beat up on most of their competition in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

OKC fans' focus is primarily on their trio of rookies. And each one of them made some noise in their 4th of July debuts.