On July 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Orlando Magic 92‑75 in the NBA 2K26 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The standout was sophomore guard Ajay Mitchell, who poured in 27 points while shooting 11‑of‑15. The win gave General Manager Sam Presti another data point as he and Head Coach Mark Daigneault evaluate a deep developmental roster ahead of the 2025‑26 season.
Background and the Three‑Component Summer League
The NBA’s offseason showcase is split into three distinct events: the California Classic in San Francisco’s Chase Center, the Salt Lake City Summer League hosted by the Utah Jazz, and the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. This year the Las Vegas leg ran from July 10‑20, 2025, using both the Thomas & Mack Center (capacity ≈ 18,000) and the smaller Cox Pavilion (≈ 10,000 seats). A total of 24 teams played 67 games, giving front‑office staff a whirlwind of footage to parse.
For the Thunder, Vegas was the second stop after a brief stint in Salt Lake City where they fell 92‑80 to the Memphis Grizzlies on July 5. In that game Mitchell logged 24 points and six assists, while forward Brooks Barnhizer grabbed a double‑double with 13 rebounds. The Magic, by contrast, entered Vegas without any prior Summer League exposure, making this matchup a crucial first impression.
Game Flow: Quarter‑by‑Quarter Breakdown
- First quarter: Thunder 17, Magic 15 – a tight start as both teams tested defensive sets.
- Second quarter: Thunder surged 25‑19, turning a two‑point edge into a double‑digit lead.
- Third & fourth quarters: Oklahoma City out‑scored Orlando 50‑41, sealing the 92‑75 victory.
Mitchell’s 27 came off a mix of drives, mid‑range jumpers and a clutch foul‑draw in the final minutes. As the TV highlight reel noted at the 0:279 timestamp, he was "driving, floating, hitting, and the foul for 27." Magic forward Moore was called for a questionable three‑on‑one foul at 0:289, a play that sparked a brief flare‑up among the bench.
Individual Performances and Statistical Snapshot
Beyond Mitchell, the Thunder saw solid contributions from the bench. Rookie guard Jae Sullivan added eight points and three steals, while veteran center Josh Gibson posted a 12‑point, 7‑rebound line. The team shot 49% from the field and 38% from three‑point range.
The Magic struggled to find rhythm, managing only 36% shooting overall. Their leading scorer, sophomore guard Jaiden Moore, finished with 12 points on 4‑of‑11 shooting. The disparity in rebounding (Thunder 44, Magic 32) underscored Oklahoma City’s physical advantage.
Coaching & Management Reactions
Post‑game, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised the depth of his roster: "We have a lot of guys willing to step up, and tonight they did. It’s a good sign for the upcoming training camp." General Manager Sam Presti echoed the sentiment but admitted the toughest job lies ahead: "You can’t keep all these guys. The challenge now is figuring out who fits our long‑term plan." ESPN analyst Jess Cunningham added, "If Mitchell keeps this scoring pace, he could earn a two‑way contract for next season."
Implications for Roster Decisions
The Summer League serves as a trial by fire for undrafted prospects, two‑way candidates, and fringe roster players. Mitchell’s 27‑point outing puts him squarely in the conversation for a spot on OKC’s 2025‑26 training camp roster, while the Magic will likely look to add veteran depth to complement their young core.
Presti’s dilemma mirrors a league‑wide trend: teams now carry up to 21 players in Summer League, a number that forces difficult cuts before the regular season. The Thunder’s performance suggests they may retain a larger developmental squad, leveraging the new two‑way contract rules introduced in the 2024 collective bargaining agreement.
Looking Ahead: Next Games and Player Outlooks
Both teams have three more Vegas games left. The Thunder face the Denver Nuggets on July 17, a matchup that will test their defensive schemes against a high‑tempo offense. The Magic are slated to play the Houston Rockets, an opportunity to see if any of their shooters can break the 35% shooting slump.
Beyond the immediate schedule, the Summer League’s timing—just weeks after the 2025 NBA Draft—means that standout performances can influence late‑night trades, two‑way signings, and even the draft night lottery retroactively. For Mitchell, a consistent scoring display could position him as a potential 10‑day contract call‑up if OKC faces injuries during the regular season.
Key Facts
- Date: July 15, 2025 (7:00 p.m. ET)
- Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
- Oklahoma City Thunder 92, Orlando Magic 75
- Ajay Mitchell – 27 points
- NBA 2K26 Summer League
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ajay Mitchell’s performance affect his chances of making the Thunder roster?
Mitchell’s 27‑point outing, coupled with efficient shooting (73% FG), gives General Manager Sam Presti solid evidence that he can contribute at the NBA level. If he repeats similar numbers against higher‑seeded opponents, he could earn a two‑way contract or at least a guaranteed spot in the upcoming training camp.
What does this game reveal about the Thunder’s developmental depth?
The victory highlights that OKC has more than enough talent to compete with any Summer League opponent. Multiple bench players scored in double figures, and the team’s rebounding margin showed physicality, signaling that the Thunder can afford to keep a larger pool of prospects for the regular season.
Why is the Summer League considered crucial for teams like the Magic?
For Orlando, the Summer League is a first look at untested players after a draft‑free off‑season. The Magic used the game to assess shooting ability and defensive potential, which will influence their roster cuts before the preseason begins in late September.
What’s the broader impact of the NBA 2K26 Summer League on the upcoming season?
The league acts as a sandbox for new rules, such as the expanded two‑way contracts, and provides scouting data that can shift trade talks. Strong Summer League performances often translate into increased playing time during the regular season, especially for teams dealing with injuries.
Finance & Investment
