OKC Thunder: 3 keys to victory vs New Orleans Pelicans

OKC Thunder key No. 3) Darius Bazley’s scoring punch

Coming into the season, many of us here at TI were expecting big things from second-year forward Darius Bazley.

Specifically, late last season whilst in the bubble, Bazley proved to be an incredible young prospect for the OKC Thunder, as he boasted impressive averages of 13.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game.

In the team’s regular-season debut of 2020-21, it seemed as though this level of success rolled right on through, as he put up a double-double of 15 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal on 58 percent shooting from the floor en route to a thrilling OKC victory.

Unfortunately, however, his production has regressed a bit since and, last game when posting just six points and six rebounds on just 21 percent shooting from deep, the Thunder managed to drop their second straight.

We all know that SGA will produce admirably on a consistent level but, in order to have a better chance at attaining a victory, his supporting cast must follow through and, specifically on offense, a guy like Bazley must shine right alongside the franchise cornerstone.

Should he hind himself firing on all cylinders tonight, a win against the Pelicans should be a very realistic outcome.