Oklahoma City's championship parade showcased a memorable moment captured by photographer Jimmy Do, featuring Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with arms spread wide against the backdrop of the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

This iconic photograph symbolizes the city’s resilience, uniting themes of tragedy and triumph. Mayor David Holt hailed it as one of the most significant images in Oklahoma's history, reflecting the emotional weight linked to the Memorial where the Thunder players are frequently taken.

Do’s journey to this moment was no accident; he meticulously planned his positioning and camera settings while being aware of the profound history surrounding the Memorial, where he often photographs the Thunder. When the moment came, he captured Shai's gesture perfectly, resulting in a shot that has captivated many and could even be considered for a Pulitzer Prize.

Lawson Lovering's transition from the Utah Runnin’ Utes to the Memphis Grizzlies marks a notable moment in his career. Participating in the Salt Lake City Summer League, he played against the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing two points, three rebounds, and three blocks. This event is significant for Utah basketball, as 12 players with local ties join the summer league, showcasing the state’s rich basketball culture.

Notably absent from this matchup was former Ute Branden Carlson, who won an NBA championship with the Thunder in his rookie season. The Summer League highlights the ongoing development opportunities for these players as they strive to make their mark in the league.

In their Summer League opener, the Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the Memphis Grizzlies 92-80, but the focus was on the promising performances of Nikola Topic and Ajay Mitchell. Topic, making his much-anticipated debut after a year of recovery, showcased flashes of talent with 14 points, while Mitchell dominated with 24 points, displaying an impressive ability to drive to the basket. Despite the loss, Thunder fans found hope in the way these young prospects played.

The game began slowly for both teams, but as they settled in, the offensive flow increased. By halftime, the Thunder trailed 45-40, with Mitchell emerging as the go-to scorer. In the third quarter, the Thunder fought back to narrow the gap, but a late surge by the Grizzlies extended their lead, ultimately sealing the game. While the defense struggled at times, the individual efforts of Topic, Mitchell, and Brooks Barnhizer provided a glimpse of the Thunder's bright future.

The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a tough start to their Summer League campaign with a 92-80 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies. In his long-awaited debut, Nikola Topic showcased his skills with 14 points and four assists, following a year away due to a partially torn ACL. Ajay Mitchell was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 24 points and contributing six assists. Brooks Barnhizer also made his mark with a solid 9 points and 13 rebounds.

On the opposing side, the Grizzlies were led by the impressive duo of Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson II, each netting 20 points. Their strong performances were indicative of the Grizzlies' expectations for the Summer League, aiming to see their key young players shine. The Thunder will be looking to adjust quickly as they prepare for the next games in Utah and then head to Las Vegas.