March 19, 2026, 10:10 a.m. CT
After perfecting his craft with the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s G-League affiliate, Oklahoma City Blue, on a two-way contract signed this past summer as a 2025 undrafted free agent, former Iowa basketball star guard Payton Sandfort’s hard work finally paid off on Wednesday, March 18, when he recorded his first career points in his NBA debut.
Sandfort, who averages 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 17 games with the OKC Blue, made his debut with the Thunder on Wednesday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center during the Thunder’s 121-92 landslide victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
With the game well in hand, Sandfort finally got his moment to shine on the NBA stage by playing the game’s final 4:44, where he collected one rebound and shot 1-for-3 from the floor and 1-for-2 from 3-point range.
Sandfort’s lone bucket of the night came with just 46.6 seconds remaining, as he drained a quick catch-and-shoot 3-pointer on the wing, to the delight of the entire Thunder bench for notching the memorable personal milestone.
Although it is uncertain what role Sandfort will have with the Thunder moving forward as the team eventually regains health, the former Hawkeye will certainly be willing to put forth maximum effort to help the defending NBA champions secure another deep playoff run this spring.
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