Darius Bazley was all smiles hearing his name introduced as a starter

Bazley recorded two points, seven rebounds and one block in 26 minutes off work as the Thunder defeated the Jazz on the road.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder dealing with multiple injuries on Monday night, first-round pick Darius Bazley earned his first start of the season in place of Danilo Gallinari.

And he was all smiles hearing his name introduced with the starters.

The 23rd overall pick recorded two points, seven rebounds and one block in 26 minutes off work as the Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz 104-90 on the road.

Bazley has had an up-and-down rookie campaign to this point of the season after scoring in double figures just twice in 23 games but the 6-foot-8 forward will likely always remember getting his first start.

Thunder head coach Billy Donovan said he believed Bazley played his best basketball in the third quarter once he settled into the game so the rookie may have been dealing with some nerves during his first NBA start.

After not playing competitive basketball last year, Bazley may need additional time to find his way in the NBA this season but he has shown flashes of his potential.

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