Al Horford who? Moses Brown makes Thunder history in starting role

An Oklahoma City Thunder big man just became the second-fastest player in franchise history to notch a double-double and it’s not veteran center Al Horford. It’s actually sophomore big man Moses Brown, who only needed 8:11 of playing time to do so while starting on Saturday night against the Boston Celtics.

Talk about going to work quickly. To be fair to the veteran big man, Horford doesn’t notch double-doubles much often for his career. In fact, he only averaged a double-double in just one season. He is putting up 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season. Likewise, he’s only notched a double-double just once in 2020-21.

Nevertheless, Brown did not stop making history right there. The 21-year-old also gobbled up 19 rebounds by halftime, the most in a half by any player in Thunder history. In addition, it’s also the most rebounds in a half by any player this 2020-21 campaign.

Wow. And it doesn’t seem like he’s done making the history books in this game.

This kid is showing just how much of a force he can be. Brown played sparingly to begin the season but has appeared in Oklahoma City’s last nine games, including Saturday against Boston.

Entering Saturday, Brown is averaging 11.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks over the past eight contests. Those numbers will go up with just his first-half numbers alone, but they will certainly soar much higher with his final stat line.

Oklahoma City has shut down Al Horford for the remainder of the season in an effort to play their younger players more to end the campaign. This should provide the Thunder youngsters a chance to showcase what they’ve got. Brown is certainly taking full advantage of his opportunity.