Zach LaVine has had an up and down second season, but the young Timberwolves guard balled out against the Thunder on Wednesday evening. LaVine threw up 35 points on 14-17 from the field with an array of hotly contested jumpers. This isn’t the first time LaVine has torched the Thunder, either. He scored 21 points in 26 minutes against Oklahoma City on January 12.
The discussion around LaVine centers on his placement as a point guard or shooting guard. The jury is still out on LaVine’s role, but he might be best served as a microwave lead guard off the bench. LaVine is both explosive and smooth, which allows him to get off a shot at any point. He’s very similar to J.R. Smith in his younger days. LaVine can run cold many nights and struggle to run the offense, but every so often, he catches fire and burns like the brightest star.
With Ricky Rubio in the fold, LaVine won’t have to worry too much about running the offense. This youthful Wolves squad has Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins to build around for years to come, but LaVine’s development could make this team really special. He isn’t a sure thing like Wiggins or Towns, but his ceiling is high. Fortunately for the Thunder, they’ll only have to see him one more time this season.
