Moody shines, Kuminga struggles in Summer League opener

The Golden State Warriors’ Summer League campaign started with a loss, overrun by the New York Knicks in a 101-88 defeat.

But as nice as a win would be, the tournament is ultimately about individual players and how they may stack up within a team construct at the NBA level.

All eyes were primarily on Warriors’ prospects Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. The pair couldn’t have offered more contrasting performances.

Moody, the 14th pick in last year’s draft, quite literally carried his team for the majority of the contest. Warriors fans would have been thrilled with his performance, one that had many questioning why he was even involved in Summer League action.

The 20 year-old had 20 points in the first half and 32 through three quarters (remember these are ten minute quarters). What was most impressive was the efficiency and offensive variety that he displayed against a tough Knicks outfit.

Moody knocked down three triples, had a number of tough inside finishes, and got to the line an astounding 17 times, making 15 (88.2%). He finished with 34 points, five rebounds and two steals while shooting 8-for-13 from the field and 3-for-6 from deep.

It was a completely different story for Kuminga, the 19-year-old who made three starts during the Warriors second round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Kuminga played like someone who’d only recently returned to the country, having spent a brief period back home in Congo following the Warriors championship victory.

He went scoreless in the first half, not scoring till late in the third as his diet of three-pointers and drives proved widly unproductive.

Kuminga finished with four points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, shooting 2-for-10 from the floor including 0-for-4 from three-point range. He also missed all four of his free throw attempts.

Elsewhere, Mac McClung was the only Warrior outside Moody to score in double figures, adding 17 points on 13 shots including 3-for-3 from deep.

Golden State will take on San Antonio on Sunday, a game that will take on greater significance given the likely return of former number two overall pick James Wiseman.