What we learned from the Warriors’ undefeated Summer League run Originally NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors experienced something new at Summer League on Friday night: a close game.
After three decisive wins at the California Classic and four more wins since moving on to the Las Vegas Summer League, Golden State I had to dig deep to post this 90-83 victory over- Oklahoma City Thunder.
Six players scored in double figures for the Warriors, led by two-way guard Pat Spencer had 17 points. Kevin Knox II was 14, Dekwon Prawden and Yuri Collins 13, Jackson Rowe 11, and Quinten Post Ten.
Golden State never trailed in the first few minutes of the game and led by 11 at one point, but the Thunder tied the game at 80-80 with 2:29 left in the game and the Warriors went on to win, 10-3.
With the win, the 2024 NBA Summer League regular season ends with a 5-0 record and an 8-0 overall Summer League record.
Here are three takeaways from the game that propelled the Warriors to Sunday’s semifinals.
First impressions of the post
Golden State’s lone 2024 draft pick (52nd overall) made his first appearance in the post with 5:49 left in the first quarter.
It took him just 37 seconds to spot the kind of foul opponents have complained about for years – an illegal screen. And it was obvious.
The 7-footer got it right a few minutes later with a bank shot off a quick spin move, and Post also looked pretty good drilling a 3-pointer from the top of the key on a pick-and-pop action in the second quarter.
Post was plus-5 with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and two turnovers in 14 minutes, and did a good job overall, knocking off the rust for a player who was sidelined for three weeks with a lower leg injury.
A risk-free bet on Knox
The Warriors bet on Knox for a few reasons, but mainly because of his length and the fact that at least one team, New York Knicks – I thought he had the potential to be selected 9th overall in the 2018 draft.
Knox is playing in summer league with the impression that his opportunities are running out, and the 6-foot-8 forward has always been energetic but not always effective.
Not only did Knox score 14 points in her recent Summer League audition, but she also grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, dished out two assists and was a team-best plus-15 in 24 minutes.
Knox isn’t a great athlete. He’s not a great shooter. He’s not a great defender. But he has the skill and drive to sustain a professional career — though probably not with the Warriors or in the NBA.
It may be time to remove PRAUDEN
Plauden has already impressed the Warriors enough to earn a two-way contract, but he’s still working hard as if a playoff game is on the line.
That’s scary because some of Plowden’s best plays have come through the air, including another tip-dunk against the Thunder.
Plowden played a team-high 27 minutes and finished with 13 points on 4-of-11 field goal shooting and 2-of-7 3-pointers. He also had 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a block for a plus-5 rating.
The Warriors have had enough. Brandin Podziemski and Trace Jackson Davisneither of whom played on Friday night, so it might be wise to keep Plauden on the bench for the semifinal.
