Brooks Barnhizer fuels OKC Blue’s remarkable comeback against Texas Legends
The Oklahoma City Blue showcased their resilience on Friday night, rallying from a 21-point deficit to secure a dramatic 129-127 overtime victory against the Texas Legends in Frisco, Texas. This win marks a pivotal moment for the Blue, improving their record to 2-4 amidst a challenging stretch of games that has seen players frequently cycling in and out of the lineup.
A Challenging Schedule
Navigating this portion of the schedule has been anything but easy, particularly following a demanding series of four road games, including a back-to-back in Mexico City earlier in the week. The Blue’s journey to victory was bolstered by the arrival of rookie forward Brooks Barnhizer, who was dispatched to Texas as part of his two-way contract responsibilities with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Barnhizer’s Impact
Barnhizer made an immediate impression, stepping into the starting lineup and delivering a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. The Northwestern product finished the game with 26 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, two steals, and a block. His shooting displayed versatility, hitting 9 of 18 attempts from the field, connecting on 1 of 4 from beyond the arc, and converting 5 of 6 free throws.
Dariq Whitehead Shines
Contributing significantly off the bench was former Brooklyn Nets first-round pick Dariq Whitehead, who had his best outing yet with the Blue. Whitehead exploded for a season-high 31 points, complementing his scoring with two rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block in 33 minutes of action. His shooting line of 11-for-26 from the field and 5-for-16 from three-point range highlighted his offensive prowess, while his perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line capped off a stellar performance.
Malevy Leons and a Balanced Attack
The Blue’s offensive effort was further aided by Malevy Leons, a former Thunder forward who continues to impress. Leons contributed 19 points and made his presence felt on the boards with eight rebounds, alongside five assists, two steals, and two blocks. His efficient shooting—7-for-11 from the field and 2-for-4 from deep—helped solidify the Blue’s control of the game.
Team Stats and Comeback Grit
The Blue’s success was underscored by their balanced scoring, with six players reaching double figures. They dominated the rebound battle 56-48 and significantly outperformed the Legends in assists, bench points, and fast-break opportunities. Most notably, their ability to control the paint proved decisive, as Oklahoma City racked up an impressive 72 points in the paint while limiting Texas to just 42.
Looking Ahead
This thrilling win demonstrates the grit and tenacity of the OKC Blue as they look to build momentum. After overcoming the challenges of a tough schedule and a significant deficit, the team prepares to face the Texas Legends again on Saturday night before returning home to take on the Memphis Hustle at the Paycom Center on Tuesday. The Blue’s competitive spirit and ability to adapt will be put to the test as they continue their season.
