Wednesday evening, Oklahoma City suffered one in all its ugliest losses of the season. Even although the Grizzlies are clearly the higher workforce on paper, the Thunder’s calling card has been preventing till the end, discovering methods to comeback and defy the odds. Memphis closed the door, although, dominating the fourth quarter in a 123-102 win.
Noticeably absent from the Thunder’s final two contests is ahead Darius Bazley. The fourth-year publish is in the midst of his least impactful season but attributable to a dip in minutes and Oklahoma City’s roster including depth throughout the board. Bazley has typically been criticized for his out-of-control isolations and questionable shot-selection, however in restricted motion this season, he is completed all he can to adapt to a task.
The large man’s area objective proportion continues to be decrease than regular at 43.7%, however Bazley’s 3-point proportion is again as much as 36%. He’s one in all Oklahoma City’s solely dependable publish gamers when discussing inside protection, and offers the Thunder with safety down low. After the Nov. 26 recreation towards Chicago, the place scored 17 factors on 7-of-9 taking pictures and two blocks, it seemed like Bazley was able to flourish in his position off the bench.
From there, although, issues have inexplicably gone south. The most that Bazley performed in the 4 video games following his outburst was 14:45 towards the Timberwolves. Now, after the Thunder’s third recreation of the street journey, Bazley has recorded his second straight DNP — Coaches Decision.
Not solely did Bazley not play, however he rode the bench on an evening when Oklahoma City was extremely shorthanded at the ahead spot. Kenrich Williams, who repeatedly performs the four-spot, missed Wednesday’s recreation with an harm, whereas Ousmane Dieng was re-assigned to the OKC Blue. Thunder rookie Jaylin Williams, who has spent most of his time in the G League, was the selection over Bazley towards the Grizzlies.
No matter the motive, Bazley’s absence is definitely felt on the ground. The Grizzlies entrance courtroom had a area day at the rim, as Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke mixed for 25 factors and 13 rebounds on 12-of-14 taking pictures. There was hardly any resistance at the rim, which led to Ja Morant’s 26 factors, too.
Trade rumors have surrounded Bazley earlier than, however this time, he is staying on the bench. Whatever the holdup is, if the athletic ahead is right here to remain in Oklahoma City, discovering a approach to ensure he is snug on the ground once more would even out the rotations tremendously.
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