Former Maryland star and now Atlanta Hawks center Bruno Fernando, donning the same jersey number as the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, channeled some Mamba Magic and had a career night against the Washington Wizards.

Fernando, the 34th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has bounced between the G League’s College Park Skyhawks and the Hawks this season, but on Sunday, he proved his ability to play in the league, recording his first career double-double.

He shot 7-for-9 from the field in just over 19 minutes on the court, recording career-highs with 14 points and 12 rebounds in Atlanta’s 152-133 win over Washington. He also had one block and a +/- of +15 for the night, his second-highest +/- of the season.

Now more than halfway into his rookie season in the NBA, Fernando is averaging 4.1 points per game and 3.4 rebounds per game in 12.5 minutes. The rookie has played in 42 games, starting 11. 

Elsewhere in the game, Kevin Huerter continued a good vein of form, scoring 18 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Alex Len missed the game with a hip injury.

Sunday night was another positive step in Fernando’s young career, and for all that was happening around the world of sports, it was fitting it happened like that.