Hawks rookie Kobe Bufkin dropped first 40-point game in G League

Hawks rookie Kobe Bufkin is now one of 13 players in the G League to score at least 40 points in a game this season.

Atlanta Hawks rookie Kobe Bufkin had a career performance on Monday in the G League to lead the College Park Skyhawks in a loss to the Ontario Clippers.

Bufkin produced 43 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal in the 122-118 loss at Gateway Center Arena. He finished 12-of-24 from the field, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range, in 36 minutes as the Skyhawks dropped to 9-5.

The 15th pick is one of 13 players in the G League to score at least 40 points in a game this season. He had 25 points in the first half, including 15 points in the first quarter.

Bufkin is averaging 23.5 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals on 43.9% shooting from the field in 13 games with the Skyhawks. He has scored at least 30 points four times and is 10th in the G League in scoring during the regular season.

He recently earned praise from Hawks head coach Quin Snyder for embracing his assignment in the G League. The organization has kept him with the Skyhawks to play extended minutes and stay in a rhythm on the court.

The organization has previously rejected two trades involving Bufkin and believes he has a bright future. They are high on his potential and saw some of that in his latest effort on Monday.

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