Matas Buzelis caps career night with game-winning shot for Ignite

Matas Buzelis produced a career performance and hit the game-winning shot on Tuesday to lead the Ignite over the Remix.

Projected top-five pick Matas Buzelis produced a career performance and hit the game-winning shot on Tuesday to lead the G League Ignite over the Rip City Remix.

Buzelis finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks in the 108-106 victory. He went 6-of-8 from the field as the Ignite overcame a 22-point second-half deficit to improve to 3-9 in the Showcase Cup.

Playing in his fourth game, Buzelis showed his offensive versatility from his dribbling and hesitation moves to his footwork in the paint. He sank the game-winner on a nifty 12-foot turnaround jumper with 0.4 seconds left.

Buzelis missed the first eight games of the regular season with the Ignite due to an ankle injury. He debuted with the team on Dec. 2 but was on a minute restriction. He appears to be back to full health after logging a season-high 30 minutes against the Remix.

The 19-year-old was the fifth-ranked prospect in the class of 2023 and is viewed as a high lottery pick next year. Standing at 6 feet, 10 inches, Buzelis has a great blend of size and ballhandling skills that seem to be translating in the G League.

Buzelis is averaging 13 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 blocks and one steal on 48.7% shooting from the field. He has scored in double figures three times and looks to be rounding into form after missing time.

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