Surf City Summary: Santa Cruz Warriors game highlights from past week

Santa Cruz Warriors, Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew Wheeler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Santa Cruz Warriors, Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew Wheeler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Jones keeps Warriors alive with a block

Without a doubt, Jones has been spectacular on the offensive end. He’s improved a great deal since last year, proving to be much more comfortable scoring the ball.

But if there’s one thing that Jones is primarily known for, it’s his defensive instincts. Combining solid athleticism with a great wingspan, just the sight of Jones in the middle is enough to discourage opponents from driving towards the basket.

Making the G League’s “Top Blocks of the Day” video, you’ll see the Oklahoma City Blue up 110-106 over the Santa Cruz Warriors. Driving in, the OKC player sees a clear lane to the basket.

Suddenly, Jones seems to come out of nowhere, jumping in from the weak side to emphatically reject the layup. The ball bounces off the glass, which essentially acts as an outlet pass to set up the Sea Dubs fast break.

Next: Santa Cruz Warriors go up by as many as 18, still lose to OKC Blue

Had Shepard not missed the layup in transition, this defensive play by Jones would have ended up being a game-saver.