The Santa Cruz Warriors routed the Agua Caliente Clippers 131-98 to open the 2017-18 G League season.
Last Monday, the Golden State Warriors completely obliterated the Los Angeles Clippers 141-113 at Staples Center; therefore, it should come to no surprise that Golden State’s G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, completely obliterated the Agua Caliente Clippers — G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers — 131-98 on Friday at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
Quinn Cook, one of Golden State’s two-way contract players, had an incredibly strong outing on Friday, leading all scorers with 30 points, five rebounds and seven assists in 30 minutes. He shot 12-of-17 from the field, 2-of-4 from behind the arc and 4-of-4 from the free throw line. He was also a game-high +34.
Damian Jones, who’s currently on assignment from Golden State, posted 15 points, six rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 24 minutes. He also shot a solid 5-of-7 from the field and an impressive 5-of-7 from the charity stripe.
Four other Santa Cruz players scored in double digits:
- Michael Gbinije had 21 points and four rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, 3-of-4 shooting from behind the arc and 4-of-6 shooting from the free throw line in 27 minutes.
- Georges Niang dropped in 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block in 25 minutes. He shot 8-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 from behind the arc.
- Alex Hamilton played 29 minutes, contributing 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists on 5-of-11 shooting from the field, 2-of-3 shooting from behind the arc and 4-of-5 shooting from the free throw line.
- Antonius Cleveland notched 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting in 25 minutes off the bench.
Cook’s performance comes to no surprise. Considering his impressive G League resumé, the Warriors were lucky to sign him, and the Santa Cruz Warriors will be that much better with him on the squad. I’d bet on him making an NBA team full time after this season.
Jones may not have beaten out rookie Jordan Bell for the backup big man spot, but if this recent performance has proven anything, it’s that the G League has been a positive for his NBA development. Expect Jones to start dropping in more double-doubles as the season progresses.
The other four double-digit scorers spent extended time in training camp with the Golden State Warriors this preseason, and it’s really no wonder why. I’ll admit that I was a bit skeptical as to how Hamilton would fit in the backcourt rotation, but he did just fine in his first outing starting alongside Cook.
Next: Golden State Warriors come back from 19 to beat San Antonio Spurs
The Santa Cruz Warriors will have their season home opener at Kaiser Permanente Arena on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. against the South Bay Lakers. See you there!