The Oklahoma City Thunder, alongside the legacy of the Seattle Supersonics, boasts an intriguing jersey history that spans over five decades. Among the notable numbers worn is the coveted No. 22, donned by a total of 20 players through the franchise's evolution. The first player to wear this number in the Thunder era was Cameron Payne, selected 14th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. During his tenure from 2015 to 2017, Payne averaged 5.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, leaving a mark before his trade to the Chicago Bulls.

As the Thunder continue to build their identity in the league, reflecting on players like Payne not only honors past contributions but also sets the stage for future talents. This series highlighting jersey numbers serves to connect fans with the rich history of the franchise, underlining the significance of each player's contributions, however brief, to the Thunder's legacy.

Tyler Kolek has emerged as a key contributor for the New York Knicks in March, particularly with Jalen Brunson sidelined due to injury. In a recent win against the Milwaukee Bucks, Kolek recorded five points and five assists, showcasing his ability to manage the game effectively. His impressive assist-to-turnover ratio this month, leading the NBA with 31 assists to just one turnover, highlights his efficiency and growth as a rookie.

Despite limited playtime earlier in the season, Kolek has stepped up significantly, averaging nearly 17 minutes over the last four games. His background in the G League has equipped him well for this moment, allowing him to adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully to a Knicks team dealing with injuries in their backcourt.

The New York Knicks face a critical juncture as injuries pile up, particularly in the point guard position. With Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride sidelined, and Cam Payne potentially out after spraining his ankle, the team finds itself relying heavily on rookie Tyler Kolek and veteran Delon Wright. This scenario follows a surprising trade that sent Jericho Sims to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Wright, a move that raised eyebrows at the time but now proves vital.

Kolek, a 24-year-old rookie, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he struggles defensively. Meanwhile, Wright brings experience and defensive prowess to a depleted roster. Head coach Tom Thibodeau remains confident, asserting that they have enough depth to weather the storm. The Knicks currently hold a precarious grip on the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed, making these next games essential for securing their playoff positioning.

The New York Knicks faced a crushing defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers, losing 126-113 as injuries continued to plague their roster. Already without their top two point guards, Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride, the Knicks lost Cameron Payne to an ankle sprain during the game. His absence left rookie Tyler Kolek as the sole ball-handler, who had shown promise with a record of 17 assists without turnovers in prior games. However, the Knicks struggled to maintain their early lead and could not recover after the Clippers surged ahead.

James Harden led the Clippers with 29 points, exploiting the Knicks' lack of defensive presence in the paint, particularly with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson on the floor. Towns had an outstanding performance with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while other players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges struggled to find their rhythm in the final quarter. Looking ahead, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau may need to adjust his lineup strategies to cope with the ongoing injury crisis.

The New York Knicks faced a challenging matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers without their top two point guards, Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride. Veteran Cameron Payne, who stepped in for Brunson, sustained a sprained ankle early in the game, forcing the Knicks to rely on rookie Tyler Kolek. Despite a promising start where they led by 14 points, the Knicks faltered in the second half, eventually losing 126-113. James Harden's offensive prowess, highlighted by 32 points, exacerbated the Knicks' struggles, especially in the paint.

With a severely depleted roster, head coach Tom Thibodeau's options dwindled to Kolek as the primary playmaker. The team's weak performance off the bench was evident, contributing only 12 points. Given the recent injuries, Thibodeau may need to explore alternative lineups, including playing Kolek more prominently or promoting G-League talent Boo Buie to fill the gaps. The Knicks' fortunes hinge on their ability to adapt quickly amid mounting injury challenges.