Aleksej Pokusevski Finds Role as Distributor in Return to Action

After being sidelined for nearly three months, Aleksej Pokusevski made his return to the court on Wednesday night. The versatile point-forward was assigned to the Oklahoma City Blue as part of his rehab assignment, and found ways to impact the game despite a rough shooting night.

Pokusevski didn’t impact the score sheet, going 0-of-7 from the floor, but was a plus-10 in a game the Blue lost by nine points. He recorded an impressive seven points, six assists and two blocks off the bench in his first in-game action since December 28.

His creation and passing skills were on display the entire night, including a behind-the-back dime in transition. After a three month break, a rough shooting stretch shouldn’t be surprising to anyone.

Look at that pass 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/7XFoIT2eFs
— OKC BLUE (@okcblue) March 16, 2023

Pokusevski has been rehabbing for weeks, and shooting at practice, but Wednesday night was his first time to take the court. It’s unclear how long he’ll remain with the blue, but the Thunder will definitely let him test the waters in the midst of an intense Western conference playoff run.

Poku Highlights w/ okc blue game 1 rehab 6ast 2blk 7reb pic.twitter.com/6FPmLbYjd3
— kan (@kan_sokei) March 16, 2023

Before Poku was sidelined with an injury, he was in the middle of his best season in the NBA. The seven-footer averaged 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, two assists and 1.3 blocks in just over 21 minutes per game. He shot 44% from the floor and 37.6% from 3-point range. If the big man doesn’t get called up for the Thunder’s playoff push, those are very respectable stats to end on for the 21-year old.

The Oklahoma City Blue ended up losing in Pokusevski’s return 114-105 to the Ontario Clippers. Jahmi’us Ramsey and Jaden Shackelford combined for 52 points, while Andre Roberson added 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

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