Oklahoma City Blue dominate Memphis Hustle with 114-84 victory
The Oklahoma City Blue have hit their stride, securing their third consecutive win and improving to .500 with a record of 4-4. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Blue, who avenged a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to the Memphis Hustle just two weeks prior. After navigating a challenging four-game road trip, including a sweep of the Texas Legends over a Friday-Saturday back-to-back series, the Blue returned home for a brief respite before embarking on another road journey.
Barnhizer’s Triple-Double Highlights Team Effort
In Tuesday’s commanding performance, rookie forward Brooks Barnhizer stole the spotlight with an impressive triple-double. The two-way player for the Oklahoma City Thunder recorded 10 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds, all while shooting an efficient 4-for-5 from the field and 1-for-2 from beyond the arc. His ability to impact the game on multiple fronts was crucial in leading the Blue to this decisive win.
Supporting Barnhizer were fellow two-way players Branden Carlson and Chris Youngblood. Carlson contributed significantly with 16 points and 13 rebounds, making 7 of 12 attempts from the field, including two three-pointers. Youngblood added to the team’s success with four points, four assists, and three rebounds, showcasing his effectiveness with a +12 plus-minus rating.
Leons and Bench Contributions Fuel the Victory
Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Malevy Leons continued to make his presence felt, finishing the game with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a pair of blocks in just 27 minutes. His all-around performance further underscored the depth and versatility of the Blue’s lineup.
Dariq Whitehead, a former first-round pick, was one of three bench players to score in double figures, contributing 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Cameron Brown emerged as an efficient scorer, leading all bench players with a team-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, including 2-for-3 from three-point range.
A total of seven players reached double digits in scoring for the Blue, showcasing a well-rounded attack that overwhelmed the Hustle. With this victory, the Blue improved their record to 4-4, while the Hustle fell to 3-6.
Looking Ahead: Road Challenges Await
The Oklahoma City Blue will next face the Austin Spurs in a two-game series in Austin, Texas, on Friday and Sunday. They will be up against former Blue guard Adam Flagler, adding an intriguing subplot to the matchup. Following this road trip, the Blue will return to the Paycom Center on December 4 to take on the Orlando Magic’s G League affiliate. As the season progresses, the Blue’s recent momentum will be crucial in shaping their path forward.
