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It was a night full of special moments for two former Hawkeyes in the NBA

Both made the most of expanded opportunities in a tough loss for OKC
ByJordan Underwood
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Oct 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; \Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) looks to pass as Dallas Mavericks guard Marcus Sasser (8) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; \Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) looks to pass as Dallas Mavericks guard Marcus Sasser (8) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Oklahoma City has been on a role to start the 2026-2027 season, but injuries are stacking up.

The Dallas Mavericks handed the Thunder its first loss of the season, and the lineup could look drastically different moving forward. The organization is missing four starters: Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso are day-to-day, Cason Wallace is out indefinitely with a torn labrum, and Jalen Williams is out for the season after breaking his fibula and dislocating his ankle. While no one wants injuries, it has opened up opportunities for two former Hawkeyes.

Bennett Stirtz and Josh Dix played extensive minutes in an OKC loss

The Mavericks controlled the game against the Thunder, going wire-to-wire for the win. Dallas limited Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, holding him to 21 points on 7-for-19 shooting, while the squad struggled with multiple starters out. All of Oklahoma City's injuries finally came back to bite them, but two former Hawkeyes played the most minutes of their young careers and did their best to make the most of the opportunity. Bennett Stirtz and Josh Dix played extensive minutes for OKC in the loss, and although they never crossed over at Iowa, it was special to see them on the floor together.

Oklahoma City traded two second-round picks to Memphis for Stirtz, selecting him with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Stirtz had an excellent summer and offseason, but multiple talented guards blocked his path. Dix went undrafted, but signed a two-way deal with the Thunder after a productive offseason. Both players are fighting for minutes, but OKC is extremely deep and has plenty of talent in front of them. With some of that depth traded away and others sidelined with injuries, Dix and Stirtz got plenty of minutes against Dallas, with Dix scoring his first NBA points.

Stirtz had a magical first half, scoring six points in four minutes off the bench, and finished with 8 points on 60 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc in 28 minutes. He also added three assists. Stirtz is still adjusting to his new role after being the focal point of Northwest Missouri State, Drake, and Iowa in college, but he's shown flashes of why OKC took a chance on him. He is a capable ball-handler and shooter, and can run the offense when SGA or McCain are off the floor. He will need to get more comfortable in the offense, but so far so good for the former Iowa star.

Dix struggled in his final year at Creighton after transferring from Iowa, posting a career-low 33.8 percent from beyond the arc and his second-worst field-goal percentage at 43.9 percent. He averaged 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in a down season for Creighton, and he has shown he is a capable long-range shooter. Dix can carve out a role as a long-range marksman, but he has to solve whatever shooting issue he is dealing with right now. Dix finished with 2 points on 13 percent shooting from the field (1/8) and two rebounds.

Dix and Stirtz will be important pieces for OKC to push through injury concerns

Josh Dix
Oct 26, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Dix (21) walks down the court during the second half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Stirtz has a clearer path to playing time as the more talented player and the higher draft pick, but both players will be important for OKC early in the season. The Thunder have been ravaged by injuries, especially at guard, and need reinforcements. The Thunder were high on Stirtz before and after the draft, and it makes sense they want to see what he can bring. It wouldn't be surprising if Stirtz gets an expanded role and becomes one of the first players off the bench. Alex Caruso should return soon and will likely start, but he can still be a valuable bench piece.

Stirtz is a floor general who can play big minutes, run the offense, and shoot at an elite level, something that every organization needs.

Dix's path to playing time is less clear, especially if he struggles with shooting. Dix is a capable mid-range and three-point shooter, but he needs to get out of the funk he's in. Especially on a two-way deal, minutes aren't guaranteed, and he must find ways to impact the game with his shooting. With all the injuries, OKC needs help wherever they can get it, and he will play a solid bench role until some injured players return. Dix played 24 minutes for a reason, and hopefully he can continue playing an expanded role.

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