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After recording a career-high 23 points on Sunday, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Darius Bazley followed that performance up with another impressive outing on Monday during a 128-101 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Down five players, Bazley earned the start and scored a team-high 22 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double to lead the Thunder. He shot 8-of-16 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes of work.
With the performance, Bazley joined Russell Westbrook (2008-09) and James Harden (2009-10) as the only rookies in franchise history to score at least 20 points in back-to-back games. Westbrook accomplished the feat twice while Harden did it once.
CP3 pokes it away and lobs it up to Darius Bazley in transition!@okcthunder 37@Suns 23
📱💻: https://t.co/8YThu0rvDz pic.twitter.com/4Y3JB60G5D
— NBA (@NBA) August 10, 2020
Bazley continued to shine with the Thunder after his performance on Monday. He has shown off his improved jump shot over his past two games, converting on 7-of-12 shots from 3-point range, and his ability to play multiple positions.
With the Thunder hit by some injuries, Bazley has stepped up recently and offered a glimpse of his potential. He proved during the process that he can step in spot minutes and help the Thunder, which could be beneficial come playoff time.
The Thunder play next on Wednesday vs. the Miami Heat.
Stat courtesy of Thunder PR
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