SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors ended the weekend portion of the California Classic summer league with a decisive 92-68 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at Chase Center. This marked their second consecutive blowout win, following a 39-point victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday.
Three Warriors players scored in double figures: Ethan Thompson led with 22 points, Daeqwon Plowden added 18, and Mantas Rubštavičius contributed 12. The Lakers’ first-round draft pick, Dalton Knecht, finished with a team-high 12 points. The Lakers were without Bronny James, who was sidelined due to swelling in his left knee.
Three Key Observations from the Game
Vereen Auditioning Well in Summer League
Warriors summer league head coach Anthony Vereen, who also serves as a player-development coach under Steve Kerr, is building a solid mini-resumé. He has successfully motivated his players to exhibit tremendous energy on defense, a quality that was occasionally lacking in the Warriors last season.
- Defensive Performance:
- Lakers were held to 25% shooting from the field.
- Lakers shot 11.8% from beyond the arc.
- Warriors had previously held the Heat to 28.9% from the field and 25.8% from three-point range.
Despite the limited practice time, the defensive principles under Vereen were solid, showcasing effective team cohesion.
Thompson and Plowden Seeking Two-Way Contracts
With point guard Reece Beekman recently signing a two-way contract and Pat Spencer likely to secure another, Thompson and Plowden are competing for the remaining spot. Both players demonstrated their scoring ability and defensive prowess over the weekend.
- Ethan Thompson:
- Leading scorer for the second consecutive game.
- Scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
- Scored 27 points off the bench on Saturday.
- Daeqwon Plowden:
- Scored 14 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots.
- Uses his athleticism and 6-foot-6, 215-pound frame effectively.
- Capable of attacking the rim and shooting from beyond the arc.
Kevin Knox II Still Chasing His Dream
Selected ninth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2018 NBA Draft, Kevin Knox II has struggled to find a permanent spot in the NBA. He has been traded multiple times and is now with the Warriors, seeking to revive his career.
- Knox’s Performance:
- Scored 7 points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 1-of-5 from three-point range.
- Contributed 5 assists and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes.
- Displayed strong desire and a willingness to pass.
Game Summary
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Minutes Played | Field Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethan Thompson | 22 | 11 | – | – | – |
| Daeqwon Plowden | 18 | 8 | – | – | – |
| Mantas Rubštavičius | 12 | – | – | – | – |
| Dalton Knecht (LAL) | 12 | – | – | – | – |
| Kevin Knox II | 7 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 3-of-10 |
The Warriors’ consistent defensive effort and the standout performances from Thompson and Plowden highlight their potential for future success in the league. As Knox continues to chase his dream, the Warriors are providing him with an opportunity to prove himself on the court.(JiliAsia)
