After a tumultuous few days, the OKC Thunder assigned Deonte Burton to OKC Blue where he responded professionally and productively.
What a few days the OKC Thunder have had. With Terrance Ferguson out with a hip complaint, they then had to suspend Deonte Burton for a game due to a locker room altercation per Erik Horne. This meant they called up Luguentz Dort for his first NBA action of the season.
Dort responded like the hungry rookie that he is and defended at a high level; including that defensive play which helped the miracle pass eventuate to force overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
burst of energy ⚡️ Deonte Burton
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 9, 2019
25 PTS | 8 REB | 6 AST | 10-16 FGM@CycloneMBB ↗️ @okcthunder ➡️ @okcthunder pic.twitter.com/DbRtiOEPbA
From an outside point of view, it looks like the OKC Thunder staff prefer the attitude of Dort to Burton, hence they assigned Burton to the G-League.
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The question is; how did Burton respond to this potential punishment? He stuffed the stat sheet and helped the OKC Blue snap a four-game losing streak. He collected 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block.
Burton went 9-of-15 from the floor, including 4-of-7 from deep. He carried the team on his shoulders to the win.
Unfortunately, he was not able to do that on the second night of a back to back. Once more, he carried the team but in a night, which saw a debut of Courtney Alexander II, the Texas Legends were just too much.
This shows just how depleted the Blue is due to injury.
Burton tried his hardest scoring 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting. In another complete game, Burton had eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Burton has played 77 minutes in two nights, collecting 47 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, five steals, and a block. There can be no doubting of his commitment to playing.
How did he respond to what appears to be a punishment from the OKC Thunder? With complete professionalism of course.