Santa Cruz Warriors Take 1-0 First Round Playoff Series Lead v. OKC Blue
Santa Cruz Warriors take a 1-0 series lead over the Oklahoma City Blue in the first round of the NBA D-League Playoffs.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The Santa Cruz Warriors were absolutely incredible Wednesday night hosting the Oklahoma City Blue at Kaiser Permanente Arena, pulling off the much-needed 121-120 victory over the top seed in the NBA D-League Western Conference.
Surf City takes a 1-0 series lead in the first round of the NBA D-League Playoffs as they head into the next two games at the Cox Convention Center. The Sea Dubs need only win one game to move on to the next round of the postseason to face either the Los Angeles D-Fenders or the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Jabari Brown has continually proven himself to be more than worthy of an NBA call-up, leading all scorers Wednesday night with 36 points (10-16 FG, 4-6 3P, 12-16 FT), five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Although he’s only been part of the team now for just about a month, Brown credits his squad for making it easy for him to find a comfortable role off the bench.
"“First couple games, I kinda felt like I was thinking more than just playing, being myself; but the team has done a real good job at helping me feel welcome and integrating me into the offense,” said Brown."
After the game, Santa Cruz Warriors head coach Casey Hill also commented on what the experience has been like successfully implementing a player like Brown on such short notice.
"“He’s been great. He’s just kind of a scoring punch,” said Hill. “You know, it’s funny — I talked to him when we were on that road trip and I asked him, ‘You’re cool coming off the bench, right?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, we’re playing well, I got a good rhythm coming off the bench; let’s just keep it that way.'”“He gets his minutes. He just kinda gets the feel for the game and then he comes out and affects it the way he needs to — like tonight, he wasn’t a jump shooter to start. He got to the free throw line a ton in that first half because he was staying aggressive and driving it, and that was what we needed."
Alex Hamilton finished with 18 points (5-10 FG), six rebounds and five assists in 20 minutes off the bench. Golden State Warriors assignee Damian Jones notched 14 points (7-9 FG) and six rebounds despite only playing 17 minutes due to early foul trouble.
Chris Obekpa had what was quite possibly his best game all year, dropping in 12 points (5-8 FG), 10 rebounds and eight blocks. James Southerland tallied 11 points (4-12 FG) and eight boards, while Scott Wood added 11 points (4-13 FG) of his own.
Dennis Clifford and Elgin Cook unfortunately remain listed inactive. Coach Hill said that while Clifford is doubtful, Cook could possibly see some time on the floor.
"“I’m not sure Dennis will make it back. There’s still some stuff we gotta straighten out with him,” Hill said. “Elgin — you never know. He’s got a bone bruise right now…so, we’ll see.”"
Blue Man Hoop also caught up with Chris Murphy — Santa Cruz Warriors team president — to ask about the recent win and what the overall feeling and atmosphere has been like having the team back in the D-League postseason.
"“When you ask what it’s like to get back in the playoffs, that home crowd, that building was alive tonight as it’s been all year,” Murphy exclaimed.“Getting that win tonight is big. Oklahoma City is a really good team. They didn’t have the best record in the Western Conference for nothing. Really good team with a lot of talent. It’s not gonna be easy to go on the road and get one, but we’ve won six of our last seven on the road — we’re a good road team. I’m confident in our ability to go get it done.”"