Career-night for Aleksej Pokusevski in OKC’s win over Memphis

2021-03-14T21:50:56+00:00 2021-03-14T22:53:55+00:00.

Aris Barkas

14/Mar/21 21:50

Eurohoops.net
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 25: Gary Trent Jr. #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against Aleksej Pokusevski #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter at Moda Center on January 25, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

The Serb rookie was a starter for the Thunder and had his best game yet in the NBA

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

Aleksej Pokusevski made history on Sunday night, becoming the youngest player in NBA history with 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ threes in a game according to StatMuse. The 19-years old forward led the Thunder to the 128-122 win over Memphis with 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, making 5/8 threes, including key buckets down the stretch.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, “Poku” also passed Kevin Durant as the youngest player in Thunder/SuperSonics franchise history to record a double-double, being 19 years, 78 days old.

The Grizzlies opened a 102-90 lead on Justise Winslow’s driving layup early in the fourth quarter. But the Thunder responded with a 14-2 run. Kenrich Williams tied it at 104 with a cutting layup with 8:38 left. Pokusevski’s 25-footer put Oklahoma City in front at 109-108 with 6:10 left.

“Now he knows what a game like tonight feels like, which gives him confidence,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.

“So, the next time he takes a step back, which he will, it’s part of development and it’s a part of competition, he’ll know that he can turn a corner. I think when you repeat that process and you keep getting those experiences, that’s where consistency and confidence come from.”

Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds for the losing side, as the Thunder managed to reach 17 wins. Memphis has the same number of positive results, but a better record with 17-18 and the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings compared to OKC’s 17-22, which is currently 11th.

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