Brooks Barnhizer shines with career-high despite heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss
Brooks Barnhizer entered the press conference room at the Paycom Center on Thursday night, a striking figure with both knees wrapped in ice and sweat glistening on his brow. Clad in a soaked OKC Blue jersey, the rookie had just completed his fourth game in three nights and was brimming with energy, reminiscent of his AAU days. He greeted the assembled media with warmth, his smile betraying none of the fatigue he must have felt after such a grueling stretch.
In his second-ever NBA G League game, Barnhizer logged an impressive 26 minutes, amassing a career-high 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, boasting an efficient shooting line of 6-for-9, including a perfect 1-for-1 from beyond the arc. Despite his standout performance, the Blue suffered a heartbreaking 122-119 loss at the buzzer, as Tyler Burton drained a three-pointer assisted by former Thunder forward Charlie Brown Jr., sending the Memphis Hustle into celebration as the backboard lit up red.
A G League Journey Begins
This week marks Barnhizer’s first assignment in the G League, which will likely become a common occurrence as he navigates his two-way contract. After seeing action in the Blue’s home opener earlier in the week, he also participated in back-to-back games for the Thunder on Tuesday and Wednesday, cementing his role as a key player in this grueling schedule. “I feel good… It’s really cool to just kinda learn whenever you’re up with the main team, just what your role will be in those short bursts,” Barnhizer reflected on his experience so far.
As the press conference unfolded, Barnhizer faced questions centering on the challenge of maintaining one’s identity in the G League. He acknowledged the temptation to play outside of his character when given the chance to shine. “Definitely trying to be a little more assertive on offense when I come down. Not trying to shot-hunt. But just being more aggressive in that role… When you go up with the main guys, you’re a lot more confident,” he explained after the game.
Understanding His Role
While building that confidence is crucial, Barnhizer is acutely aware that he, along with fellow two-way teammates Chris Youngblood and Branden Carlson, won’t be called upon to lead an NBA offense. Instead, he views their G League stints as opportunities to hone their unique skill sets. “None of us are going to be main engine guys in the NBA. It’s not just who we are. We’re specialists who can affect the game in different ways,” Barnhizer articulated, underscoring his mindset during this developmental phase.
Despite the loss dropping the Blue to 1-2 on the season, and a surprising 0-2 at home, there were plenty of bright spots for this young team. Anthony Pritchard fueled the offense with a stellar performance, scoring 19 points along with 10 assists, two rebounds, two blocks, and two steals while shooting over 50% from the floor. Meanwhile, Youngblood and Carlson contributed with 13 and 15 points, respectively. Carlson’s performance was particularly notable, as the seven-footer recorded nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, and an astonishing five blocks in his 27 minutes on the court.
Looking Ahead
The OKC Blue will look to bounce back as they prepare to hit the road for a matchup against the Mexico City Capitanes on November 16 and 17. Barnhizer’s promising performance, coupled with the team’s youthful energy, will be crucial as they aim to turn their season around.
