Ousmane Dieng hits a 3-point buzzer beater against Denver!
Ousmane Dieng (6’10 », 22 years old) had a dream preseason NBA night. Against the Denver Nuggets, the Thunder forward gave his team the victory (94-91) with a buzzer-beater. Though it was just a preparation game, the Frenchman’s performance as Oklahoma City’s top scorer with 17 points confirms his excellent form heading into the regular season.
OUSMANE DIENG WITH THE @TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER!
🚨⏰ Your Time Defines Your Greatness. pic.twitter.com/6Pvm3AFcRI
— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2025
A buzzer-beater to cap off a complete performance
In a game where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren were present, Ousmane Dieng stood out with his composure in the final seconds. On a fast break, he took responsibility and scored the game-winner. « It was a fast break, and an action in our style. I had to shoot, » he explained after the game. « He defended really well. I wanted to shoot on my first move, but I had to make a step-back and shoot like that, but the feeling was good. »
The Lot-et-Garonne native acted on instinct: « It was improvisation. I think I made a similar one in G-League last year, but this was really improvised. » A spontaneous shot, but symbolic of growing confidence. Just before, he had blocked DaRon Holmes and contributed to a 17-0 run that helped the Thunder erase a 16-point deficit.
Encouraging signs for the upcoming season
Against a Denver team without Nikola Jokic and its starters, Oklahoma City was able to test its main rotations. Chet Holmgren had a convincing debut, well-fed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (12 points and 5 assists).
In the second half, the Thunder’s young players took over and turned the game around, led by an enterprising, decisive, and confident Ousmane Dieng. With 17 points – including 14 in the fourth quarter – on 6/12 shooting, 4 rebounds and 1 assist in 20 minutes, he’s increasingly establishing himself as a credible asset in Mark Daigneault’s rotation.
Ousmane Dieng 17 PTS (6/12) + the GW pic.twitter.com/L6kKev7erD
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) October 18, 2025
As preseason comes to an end, the Frenchman seems ready to take another step forward in his fourth NBA season.
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