Three Former Iowa Stars Take Center Stage Tonight as Thunder Battle Jazz in NBA Summer League Showdown
Former Iowa basketball standouts Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort, and Josh Dix are back in action Tuesday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder wrap up their Salt Lake City NBA Summer League schedule with a highly anticipated matchup against the Utah Jazz.
The game, set to tip off at 8 p.m. CT from the Jon M. Huntsman Center, gives Hawkeye fans another opportunity to watch three familiar faces continue their pursuit of NBA opportunities while representing the Thunder on one of basketball’s biggest offseason stages.
Although Oklahoma City enters the contest following an 82-77 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, the performance of former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort was one of the brightest storylines of the night.
Sandfort delivered an outstanding offensive display, finishing with a game-high 25 points in just over 27 minutes of action. He was remarkably efficient throughout the contest, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, knocking down 4-of-6 three-pointers, and converting all 4 free-throw attempts. His confident shooting, floor spacing, and scoring ability kept the Thunder within striking distance despite the narrow defeat.
The strong outing continued what has been an encouraging Summer League campaign for Sandfort, who is looking to impress Thunder coaches and NBA scouts after rejoining Oklahoma City’s Summer League roster. Performances like Monday’s only strengthen his case as he fights for a professional opportunity.
While Sandfort grabbed the headlines with his scoring explosion, fellow former Hawkeye Bennett Stirtz also made valuable contributions on both ends of the floor.
Stirtz finished the game with nine points, three assists, and two rebounds, providing steady playmaking and solid decision-making throughout his minutes. His ability to facilitate the offense while contributing offensively showcased the all-around skill set that made him one of Iowa’s most dependable players.
Another former Hawkeye, Josh Dix, also saw action in the contest. Although his scoring numbers were limited, Dix impacted the game by recording two assists and one rebound, continuing to gain valuable experience against elite young NBA talent.
Now, with one final game remaining in Salt Lake City, the trio will look to help Oklahoma City finish the event on a winning note when they face the Utah Jazz.
The matchup is expected to attract plenty of attention from Iowa supporters eager to follow the careers of three players who proudly represented the Hawkeyes before making the jump to professional basketball.
How to Watch Thunder vs. Jazz
Fans won’t have to miss any of the action, with multiple viewing options available.
Game: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz
Date: Tuesday, July 7
Time: 8:00 p.m. CT
Venue: Jon M. Huntsman Center
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Live Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Earlier in the evening, basketball fans can also catch another former Iowa player in action.
The Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Atlanta Hawks at 6 p.m. CT, featuring former Hawkeyes guard Brendan Hausen on Memphis’ Summer League roster.
Hausen appeared in Monday’s game, finishing with six points while shooting 1-of-5 from three-point range. Although his outside shot didn’t fall consistently, the game provided another valuable opportunity to showcase his shooting ability and continue adjusting to NBA-level competition.
For Iowa basketball followers, Tuesday offers a rare chance to watch four former Hawkeyes compete on the same night as they continue chasing their NBA dreams.
Sandfort enters the evening carrying momentum after one of the best individual performances of the Salt Lake City Summer League. Stirtz will aim to build on his productive all-around effort, while Dix continues developing his game against top young talent. Meanwhile, Hausen will be looking to bounce back with a stronger shooting performance when Memphis opens its evening matchup against Atlanta.
With roster spots, contracts, and future opportunities on the line, every possession matters during Summer League play. Strong performances can significantly boost a player’s chances of earning an NBA contract, a two-way deal, or an invitation to training camp.
For the former Hawkeyes, Tuesday night’s games represent another important opportunity to prove they belong at the next level. After Sandfort’s impressive 25-point breakout, all eyes will once again be on the Iowa products as they look to leave another lasting impression before the Summer League schedule moves on.
