Mann and Wilson Post Double-Doubles in Win Over Santa Cruz Warriors

OKLAHOMA CITY, November 14, 2021 – The Oklahoma City Blue (3-1) closed out a four-game homestand with an 85-71 win over the the Santa Cruz Warriors (1-3) on Sunday morning at Paycom Center.

Thunder assignment player Tre Mann posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, both career-highs with the Blue. Fellow Thunder assignment player Théo Maledon scored 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field to go along with six rebounds and four assists.

“I thought we played together, and I was impressed with our defensive effort.” Head Coach Grant Gibbs said. “I thought we hung in there and had great competitiveness.”

Oklahoma City fell behind early as they trailed 24-18 after one quarter of play. The Blue opened the second quarter on a 15-6 run, capped by a three-pointer from Maledon, who finished with 11 points in the first half. The Blue shot 47.6 percent from the field in the second quarter and outscored the Warriors 24-19 as they trailed by one, 43-42, at the half.

The Blue continued their momentum with a quick 8-0 run to start the second half and grabbed a 50-43 advantage with 9:38 left in the quarter. Oklahoma City held the Warriors to six points in third quarter, marking the second time this season the Blue has held an opponent to six or less points in a single quarter. The Blue never looked back, as the lead grew to as many as 24 points in the fourth.

Two-way player Paul Watson Jr. added 10 points and seven rebounds in the victory and D.J. Wilson posted his second double-double of the season with 13 points and a career-high 18 rebounds.

Santa Cruz was led by Axel Toupane, who had 16 points and six rebounds and Jordan Bell posted a double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds.

The Blue will be back in action on Thursday, Nov. 18 against the Agua Caliente Clippers at 9:00 p.m. CT at Toyota Arena.