OKC guard Alex Ducas out of NBA Cup Final

Written By

Peter Brown

basketball.com.au

OKC guard Alex Ducas out of NBA Cup Final

Australian Alex Ducas #88 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up during pregame against the Atlanta Hawks at Paycom Center on October 27, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Photo: Joshua Gateley/Getty Images

Undrafted rookie Ducas is battling a back sprain

Geraldton-born 24-year-old Oklahoma City guard Alex Ducas will not suit up for the Thunder in the NBA Cup final because of a back injury.

The undrafted rookie out of St Mary's has been battling a back sprain, and his return timetable is uncertain.

Ducas has played limited minutes for the Thunder this season, logging seven minutes in four 2024-25 regular season games, last playing on October 31, 2024, win against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Thunder takes on Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks after the Greek Freak ended Australian guard Dyson Daniels' NBA Cup dream on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The game tips off (Game Centre) on Wednesday, December 18, at 12.30 pm (AEST).

Australian Alex Ducas #88 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up for a shot against Grant Anticevich #11 of the New Zealand Breakers during the first quarter of a preseason game at BOK Center on October 10, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo: William Purnell/Getty Images

After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, the 201cm Ducas's sharpshooting and potential caught the eye of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He impressed during the NBA Summer League, showcasing his ability to space the floor and contribute in multiple facets of the game. This performance led to the Thunder signing Ducas to a two-way contract on July 16, 2024, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.

In 36 minutes against the New Zealand Breakers in the 2024-25 pre-season, Ducas had 15 points on 6-from-14 from the field and four rebounds.

Ducas holds the record for most games played (150) in Saint Mary's basketball program history. He finished second all-time at Saint Mary's with 278 three-pointers made, and won a gold medal with Australia at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.

Oklahoma advance to the NBA Cup Final after beating the Houston Rockets 111-96 on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Las Vegas. Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals to lead OKC to a statement win.

Australians Jock Landale and Jack McVeigh didn't play against OKC in the semi-final.