Former Indiana Star Trayce Jackson-Davis Gives Warriors Huge Lift in Win Over Blazers
There's a young NBA star blossoming in the Bay Area. His name is Trayce Jackson-Davis. The second-round pick from Indiana got a big opportunity on Sunday night and didn't waste it.
Sunday, Jackson-Davis star provided a huge spark off the bench for Golden State in a 118-114 victory over Portland. The rookie scored 14 points, collected eight rebounds, dished out three assists and was credited with two steals and a block.
It was Jackson-Davis' most productive outing of his rookie campaign. His efforts garnered a lot of praise from Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
"He's impressive," Kerr said after the game. "Tonight he was a real key because as soon as we put him in, he really stepped up and played well."
Jackson-Davis' big night came during a time when Golden State needed help. The Warriors are without Draymond Green, suspended by the NBA for repeated unsportsmanlike behavior. Undermanned, the Warriors turned to their second-round pick for assistance.
He delivered offensively and defensively.
Jackson-Davis also earned the respect of his teammates for his efforts on both ends of the court Sunday night.
“He did amazing,” Klay Thompson said, per The Mercury News. “Deandre Ayton is a tough matchup. He’s big as well. Trayce played so good tonight, finishing the rim, almost had a double-double, making plays off the pick-and-roll. Playing like a seasoned vet. And he’s a rookie, which is great for the Dubs. He’s looking like the steal of the draft.”
Golden State has utilized Jackson-Davis sparingly through the first portion of the NBA season. He's averaging 3.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game while logging just over eight minutes per contest.
Now that the Warriors have seen what Jackson-Davis can do with more time on the floor, will Kerr be more willing to play the rookie?
We won't have to wait long to find out, with Golden State hosting the Boston Celtics on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. That game airs on TNT, giving Jackson-Davis a chance to shine in a nationally televised game.
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