Oklahoma City vs. Austin
LEANDER, Texas (Interstat) — The Austin Spurs used a dominant second quarter to pull away from the Oklahoma City Blue and secure a 110-96 victory in a G League matchup on Sunday at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.
The win improved the Spurs’ impressive season record to 9-1, while the Blue fell to 4-5.
Oklahoma City started strong, leading 30-25 after the first quarter behind efficient early shooting. The game turned decisively in the second period, however, as Austin outscored the Blue 35-26 to take a 60-56 lead into halftime. The Spurs continued to build on their advantage after the break, winning the third quarter 31-18 to put the game out of reach. Both teams scored at a slower pace in the final period, with Austin holding on for the comfortable 14-point win.
Jayden Nunn led the offensive charge for the Spurs. The shooting guard from Flint, Michigan, was a consistent scoring threat throughout the contest, contributing to Austin’s potent perimeter attack.
For the Blue, Brooks Barnhizer put forth a strong effort. The small forward from Lafayette, Indiana, was active on both ends of the floor, creating scoring opportunities and making his presence felt defensively.
Riley Minix was a force in the paint for Austin. The 6-foot-7 power forward provided crucial interior defense and rebounding, helping the Spurs control the tempo, especially during their game-changing second and third-quarter runs.
Oklahoma City’s Viktor Lakhin, a center from Anapa, Russia, showcased his range by knocking down multiple three-pointers in the first half, keeping the Blue competitive early. His counterpart, Jazian Gortman, facilitated the offense from the point guard position, dishing out several assists.
The Spurs’ depth was also on display, with key contributions from Stanley Umude, Micah Potter, Kyle Mangas and Trey McGowens, all of whom made significant plays during Austin’s extended runs.
The game was a rematch from just two days prior, when Austin also emerged victorious, 116-110. The Spurs have now won eight consecutive games after dropping their season opener. Oklahoma City has lost two straight following a two-game winning streak.
According to Interstat’s ELO system, Austin was projected as a heavy favorite with an 82.70 percent probability to win, a forecast that held true with their performance.
The Spurs will look to continue their winning ways on the road, with their next game against Mexico City on Monday, December 8. The Blue return home to host Osceola on Thursday, December 4.