Deshawndre Washington drops historic back-to-back 40-point games

DUBAI (UAE) - In a tournament rich with regional history and elite talent, Deshawndre Washington just delivered one of the most electrifying scoring runs the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) has ever seen.

The Shabab Al Ahli star lit up the scoreboard with 40 points in back-to-back games, first against Meralco Bolts, then again versus Utsunomiya Brex just two days later - a feat no player has accomplished in over a decade of this continental competition.

His outbursts have not only helped keep the hosts in title contention, but also etched his name alongside the few who have reached such heights in BCL Asia (and its previous format as the FIBA Asia Champions Cup) since 2016.

Washington’s performance wasn’t just historic - it was exclusive. His two 40-point games make him the first player since 2016 to notch multiple 40-point outings in BCL Asia play, and the first since Sam Young (also with Shabab Al Ahli) in 2016 to reach the mark more than once.

But what sets Washington apart? Unlike Young - who had his trio of 40-point games spaced out - Washington did it in consecutive appearances, something never seen before in this competition's modern history.

"It's a privilege to see a guy like Deshawndre, scoring 40 points two nights ago, i love playing with him," said Shabab Al Ahli lifer, Qais Alshabebi, who also played with Young back in 2016.

"He knows how to select his shots and he's a very important piece of our team. Playing with him is just fun and he's a cool guy off the court and an amazing guy on the court. I'm honored to play with him."

Here's a look at all 40-point scorers in BCL Asia since 2016:

Washington has not only added fuel to Shabab Al Ahli’s title chase, he’s also reignited the thrill of individual brilliance at BCL Asia.

And with the tournament still underway, don’t rule out Washington's chances to break more records.

FIBA