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heck of a debut for @C_Duarte5. pic.twitter.com/u2DrIrG4zx
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 21, 2021
Do you think former Oregon Ducks star Chris Duarte is ready for the big leagues?
In his first NBA action on Wednesday night playing for the Indiana Pacers, Duarte made history scoring 27 points with 5 rebounds and 1 assist in 33 minutes. That is the most points scored by a rookie in their debut for the Pacers, and also the most three-pointers (6) in a debut as well.
Duarte started at the guard position for Indiana and was a regular member of the rotation in the eventual loss to the Charlotte Hornets. In the first half, he even provided a nice highlight with a buzzer-beater to close the first quarter.
Pacers rookie Chris Duarte debuts with 11 points in the 1Q and 100% from 3PT pic.twitter.com/aAP3cTflH1
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 20, 2021
Many people were claiming that Duarte was one of the top steals of the draft, going to the Pacers at No. 13. It appears, if his first career game is any indication, that these projections were correct.
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