Grizzlies’ Kenneth Lofton Jr. erupts for career-high 31 points in G League

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Kenneth Lofton Jr. on Saturday finished with a career performance to lead the Memphis Hustle to a win over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League.

Lofton dropped 31 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and one steal in nearly 32 minutes of work in the 127-116 victory. He scored 15 points alone in the first quarter and finished the contest by shooting 12-of-19 from the field and 5-of-9 from the free-throw line.

It was his third-straight double-double.

The undrafted forward from Louisiana Tech once again proved dominant in the paint with his size at 275 pounds. He has often been able to overpower his opponents and play bully ball, something that has been unstoppable at this point. He is second in points in the paint (18.4).

The outing by Lofton followed up a 29-point, 10-rebound performance on Thursday in a loss to the Vipers. He is now averaging 27.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals in five games. He is fourth in the G League in scoring and 13th in rebounding.

Lofton, who is signed to a two-way contract, will spend the majority of the season in a developmental role in the G League. The games will serve as a great chance for him to continue his transition from college to the NBA and adjust to the quicker speed of the game.

He has looked tremendous in the early going, which is certainly an encouraging sign for the organization. With some more development and growth, Lofton looks poised to eventually develop into a full-time rotation player.

Memphis returns to action on Monday.

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Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire