Seemingly out of nowhere, Thunder rookie Darius Bazley has become a topic of discussion, and rightfully so.
On Monday, although occurring in a loss against the Suns, the impressive youngster got his second consecutive start and did something that only Russell Westbrook and James Harden have… record back-to-back 20-point games as a Thunder rookie.
The fact was pointed out by the Thunder’s public relations staff and tweeted out by The Athletic’s Erik Horne.
Bazley has looked quite impressive after being tapped for additional repetitions in the absence of many of the Thunder’s rotation players. Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel each missed the last two games, which opened the door for the youngster, who started on Monday.
Based on what he’s provided, Donovan might be forced to find some additional minutes for him even when the team gets back to full strength.
Against the Wizards on Sunday, Bazley ended the night with 23 points and seven rebounds off the bench. He was promoted to the starting lineup against the Suns on Monday and followed it up with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Perhaps most importantly for the Thunder was the fact that he shot 7-for-12 from three-point territory in the two contests.
Despite the team’s stellar track record with drafting gifted prospects, that type of productivity isn’t something that’s seen every day, and it hasn’t been seen since Harden’s rookie year — the 2009-10 season.
For the record, although Kevin Durant recorded multiple 20-point games in a row, he did so as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics and thus isn’t considered a “Thunder” rookie for these purposes.
Now, as we head into the playoffs, Bazley’s confidence is bound to be at an all-time high. Good timing.
