Keyontae Johnson, Team Giraffe Stars Eliminated in G League Up Next Game Semifinals
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Keyontae Johnson was the fifth Oklahoma City Thunder player to be included in All-Star weekend, though he was representing the team's G League affiliate -- the Oklahoma City Blue.
The No. 50 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has shined for the Blue this season, having appeared in 12 games so far. In those 12 games, he's averaging 21.3 points per game in 33.9 minutes per game. He adds 6.5 rebounds per game and shoots 55 percent from the field with 14.5 shots per game.
Johnson's incredible G League performances led to him being selected to the G League Up Next Game to the Team Giraffe Stars. In the semifinals, the Giraffe Stars took on Ballislife in a game in which the winner was decided by the first team to reach 30 points.
Ballislife won the game 32-25, and Johnson was a minus-four in his minutes. His lone stat recorded was a blocked shot. He was 0-of-1 from the field with no points. Johnson and his team were eliminated. Still, Johnson said it "meant a lot" to be selected for the games.
“It means a lot, just showing how dedicated I was to stick through how dedicated I was to stick through with everything. Just to not give up on myself," Johnson said to Inside the Thunder's Rylan Stiles. "It's my second year back playing basketball since my injury. Just showing the progression I have made over the years since I have been sitting out."
So far, Johnson has appeared in seven games with the Thunder, being a two-way player on the roster. He's played an average of 8.1 minutes per game in those opportunities and has averaged just over a point per game.
While opportunity is thin with the main roster for now, Johnson is continuing to develop his game at the G League level and will be seasoned and prepared for his next big opportunity that he'll be able to capitalize on.
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