Former Duke Basketball Forward Matthew Hurt Enjoys Career-High Night

A call-up to the NBA isn't out of the question for the Duke basketball product if he continues to sizzle.

Author:
Matt Giles
Jan 17, 2024 3:31 PM EST

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Despite breaking his hand less than two months ago, Matthew Hurt has routinely caught fire across the eight games since his return to the Memphis Hustle lineup in the NBA G League. And on Tuesday night, the 2019-21 Duke basketball bucket-getter delivered his most impressive box score as a professional.

Hurt, who went undrafted following his two seasons as a Blue Devil and has never played in an NBA game, showcased his scoring ability and improved versatility in the Hustle's 106-104 home win over the Ontario Clippers.

The 23-year-old forward finished with a career-high 36 points on 12-for-19 shooting from the field, 6-for-9 from deep, and 3-for-4 at the line. He added nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in his 38 minutes on the floor.

Through his eight outings this season, his third with the Memphis Grizzlies' G League affiliate, Matthew Hurt is averaging 25.8 points, 7.6 boards, 1.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks per contest while shooting 56.8 percent from the field, 44.8 percent beyond the arc, and 80.0 percent at the charity stripe.

Hurt, the 2020-21 ACC Most Improved Player and an All-ACC First Team selection, was one of four in the heralded 2019 Duke basketball recruiting class who turned pro early, along with three-year Blue Devil Wendell Moore Jr. and one-and-done talents Vernon Carey Jr. and Cassius Stanley.

Moore, in his second year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is the only one from that bunch in the NBA.