Mavs' Ryan Nembhard makes basketball history never done in NBA originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ryan Nembhard already looked like a steal for the Dallas Mavericks as an undrafted free agent.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow, he's looking like an absolute gem.
Nembhard had a historic night on Monday against the Denver Nuggets in a 131-121 win for the Mavs.
He scored 28 points and dished out 10 assists. He was ultra-efficient, making 12-of-14 shots from the floor, including 4-for-5 from 3-point range.
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In the process, he became the first undrafted player ever to have at least 25 points and 10 assists in a game while not turning the ball over once, according to Mavs PR.
He's the first rookie of any draft status to have a 25-10-0 game like that since Stephon Marbury did it on Nov. 29, 1996.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd he's the first rookie to go for 25 points and 10 assists, not accounting for turnovers, since his brother Andrew did it for the Indiana Pacers.
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Nembhard was a strong college player at Gonzaga, so there was at least some belief that he could be a useful backup guard in the NBA.
But on the older side and measuring only 5-foot-11, he didn't scream top prospect.
Given the chance, though, Nembhard has proven early and often that he belongs at this level. And on Monday night, he proved how brightly he can shine.
The Mavs have moved him into the starting lineup, and he looks like a genuine piece who can move into the future with Dallas as they build around Cooper Flagg. He's definitely a gem.
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