Austin Spurs stun Oklahoma City Blue with decisive sweep and outstanding shooting performance
The Austin Spurs delivered a stunning two-game sweep over the Oklahoma City Blue on Sunday afternoon, halting the Blue’s three-game winning streak and marking the beginning of a troubling two-game skid. This matchup highlighted a challenging period for Oklahoma City, characterized by a series of road games and a roster missing key contributors.
Brooks Barnhizer shines for the Spurs
Brooks Barnhizer has emerged as a key player in the NBA G League, finding his rhythm after a slow start to his offensive game. The two-way forward from Northwestern was undeniably the standout performer this week, culminating his impressive stint with a team-high 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting. His offensive repertoire included a particularly noteworthy mid-range step-back jumper, showcasing his growing confidence. While he struggled from three-point range, going 0-for-2, he made his presence felt at the free-throw line, converting 5-of-6 attempts after aggressive drives and sharp cuts.
Defensively, Barnhizer contributed with two steals and finished with a +1 rating during his time on the court in the Spurs’ 110-96 victory. He was not alone in his efforts; four Spurs players finished in double figures, demonstrating a well-rounded team performance.
Support from the Spurs’ roster
Joining Barnhizer in the scoring column was Viktor Lakhin, who delivered an impressive 25 points along with five rebounds, a steal, and two blocks in just 22 minutes of play. His offensive contributions were pivotal, providing a steady scoring option alongside Barnhizer.
Jazmin Gortman made a notable return to the Blue lineup, coming off the bench to add 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists. His ability to create plays and score efficiently kept Oklahoma City competitive, while Dariq Whitehead, a former first-round pick by the Brooklyn Nets, chipped in with 11 points and three rebounds, showcasing his potential in 18 minutes off the bench.
Shooting efficiency and rebounding dominance
Despite individual performances from the Blue, they struggled to contain the Spurs, who shot an impressive 52% from the field and 43% from three-point range. The Spurs’ proficiency from beyond the arc was evident, as they drained 16 three-pointers compared to the Blue’s seven. Additionally, Austin dominated the rebounding battle, finishing with a 53-36 advantage.
Oklahoma City’s challenges were exacerbated by a significant turnover differential, committing 24 turnovers to the Spurs’ 14. The inability to create stops at crucial moments allowed Austin to maintain control of the game.
Looking ahead for the Blue
As the Blue regroup after this setback, they will have an opportunity to regroup during an extensive nine-game homestand. This stretch will take them through December and into the first week of January, providing a much-needed chance to capitalize on home-court advantages—an essential factor in the G League, especially when sharing an arena with an NBA franchise. Head coach Daniel Dixon will have access to his full complement of two-way players, which could play a pivotal role as the team aims to regain momentum.
