Darius Bazley started the past two games for the OKC Thunder in place of the injured Danilo Gallinari and is doing a solid job.
Darius Bazley has stepped up the last two games for the OKC Thunder thanks to Danilo Gallinari sitting out due to ankle soreness. This is now the second and third times that Bazley has started with Gallinari sitting out.
Bazley has responded well this time to the added responsibility handed to him by coach Billy Donovan. While a case could be made for Mike Muscala to start, the development of the rookie is far more important to the organization and this is why Bazley is getting the nod.
In the previous few games, Bazley has been hanging his hat on defense. He had four blocks in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He then had three blocks in the game against the Phoenix Suns. Both of these games were off the bench.
Against the LA Clippers Bazley had his second career start. He had seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. He was 1-of-2 from deep in a return to form from deep. Bazley had a career-high eight boards as well as two assists and two steals.
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1210368162472038400?s=20
Bazley was a crucial part of the victory against the highly fancied Clippers. Yes, they were without Kawhi Leonard and Patrick Beverley but it was still a huge win.
The next game that Bazley started was the last game of the homestand where the Memphis Grizzlies ended up beating the OKC Thunder. Bazley took the first shot of the game, a straightaway 3-ball, which he made.
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Bazley did not make another basket on the night, going 1-of-5 from the floor and 1-of-4 from deep. He collected four defensive rebounds and showed his desperation when he almost turned the ball over and then fought for it, getting it back for the Thunder.
The rookie also collected his first flagrant foul. How did he respond? On the next possession, he stuck his hand back into the cookie jar, forcing a turnover. How does he respond to adversity? By going back to the well.
With Bazley developing into the solid player, the OKC Thunder have a decent piece of the puzzle. These starts are crucial to the development of the rookie.
With Danilo Gallinari not traveling with the team, Bazley will presumably get the start versus the Hornets and Raptors this weekend and gain even more valuable experience.