Rookie Will Riley turned in another 30-point performance on Sunday, leading the Washington Wizards on the second night of a back-to-back set on the road.
Riley produced 30 points, six assists and four rebounds in a 121-115 loss against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. He finished by shooting 9-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, in 35 minutes off the bench.
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The 21st overall pick became the first Wizards rookie since Calbert Cheaney in February 1994 to record consecutive 30-point games after scoring 31 on Saturday. He is the third rookie to do so this season, joining Cooper Flagg and Maxime Raynaud.
“He has really done this for a while now, maybe not 30 every night,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. “But back-to-back 30s is impressive. You see his confidence growing, his skill set. His ability to make tough shots, get to the free-throw line. He is just growing. He is playing really well.”
Riley is averaging 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 32.4% from 3-point range in 70 appearances with the Wizards. He is one of seven first-year players with multiple 30-point performances this season.
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The 20-year-old is fresh off his best month as a professional, averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 16 games in March. He was recognized by the league as one of the players nominated for Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.
Riley has showcased his overall skill set and growth throughout the season, proving to be a versatile scorer who can finish at the rim with relative ease. He is playing his best basketball yet and looks to be finishing the year on a high note.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Wizards news: Will Riley accomplishes rare feat with latest game