Former OKC Thunder Blue shooting guard Scotty Hopson is shining in the NBL, with four consecutive player of the match performances to help his SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers stay in the playoff hunt.
Scotty Hopson, former OKC Blue guard is dominating his opponents in the Australian National Basketball League. He played 35 games for the OKC Thunder G-League affiliate during 2018/19.
Since returning from a knee injury in early December Hopson continues to make the biggest difference for the New Zealand Breakers.
The team was battling to get victories at the beginning of the season, holding a record of 4-9. That record has taken a huge shift with the Breakers now sitting within two wins away from the fourth spot Cairns Taipans.
Hopson’s outstanding athleticism and all-round ability have seen him take charge. New Zealand has won four games in a row which is their longest current win streak. When he’s on the court they are 7-4 and without him, they are 1-6.
The versatile backcourt operator has made an immediate impact after his return which has sent waves across the league. Many have labeled the star the most clutch and best player in the NBL.
It is clear that he isn’t afraid of big moments because during those times he’s the one you can trust to take the team over the line.
In the last two of his team’s four matches, Hopson has shown his killer instinct with ice in his veins to score back to back game winning daggers.
https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1210686741511671808
These heart-breakers (no pun intended) have kept New Zealand’s playoff ambitions alive.
Despite playing in only 11 games so far, he is averaging a team-high 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
In the last four games, he is averaging 25 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while tallying a total of 100 points. This saw him receive Player of the Game in each of these four encounters.
OKC Thunder Blue fans would be familiar with this electrifying play as Hopson put together some impressive performances while with the side.
The guard plays a high-tempo and assertive style which is so entertaining to watch. In the Breakers’ latest 96-87 win against the Adelaide 36ers, this was made known from the get go.
Hopson bolted down the court and connected on an alley-oop from teammate Sek Henry.
https://twitter.com/NZBreakers/status/1211138087025139713
Winning more than just games:
As Hopson leads New Zealand to victories, he hasn’t only been winning games but also winning the love of fans. NBL fans have been admiring his game as much as the Breakers faithful.
The NBL even thanking Breakers CEO Matt Walsh on Twitter for signing the guard this season.
Hopson is up there with the best including other former NBA talents like Bryce Cotton and Scott Machado who are also leaving their mark on the other side of the world.
Thank you @mattyvincent44 for bringing @Shopson32 to #NBL20 pic.twitter.com/Sn7jX1fC9H
— NBL (@NBL) December 27, 2019
As Hopson continues to inspire his team it seems they will go further and continue to demonstrate the fight they have held onto through the year, in spite of being challenged by injury and off-court matters.
One thing’s for sure the NBL is very lucky to have Hopson and get to witness his remarkable basketball prowess.
With his existing ties to the OKC Thunder and OKC Blue, it would behoove the brain trust to keep an eye on Hopson as a potential late season addition to either the varsity or G-League squad.