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Golden State Warriors: Dario Saric drops astonishing number in latest performance

By Peter O'Keefe

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 03: Dario Saric, #9 of Croatia, is pictured during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 group C match between Great Britain and Croatia at Forum di Assago on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 03: Dario Saric, #9 of Croatia, is pictured during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 group C match between Great Britain and Croatia at Forum di Assago on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors’ forward Dario Saric has again showcased his playmaking ability, leading Croatia to a third-straight win at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Turkey.

After 31 and 32-point victories in their opening two games against Belgium and Sweden respectively, Saric and the Croatians were forced to work a little harder before prevailing with an 89-81 win over the Netherlands.

Dario Saric’s form with Croatia continues to provide a glimpse as to what he could provide the Golden State Warriors next season.

Saric had his fingertips on a lot of what Croatia did offensively, dropping an astonishing 12 assists as they fought off a third-quarter comeback from the Netherlands. Saric’s passing versatility has been on full display, with the 29-year-old dishing seven assists against Sweden earlier in the week.

The 6’10” big man also had 13 points, six rebounds and three steals, shooting 6-for-11 from the floor. While Saric was just 1-for-4 from three-point range, he was 4-for-6 from deep over the opening two games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t61AABt4Mw

Saric was a game-high +11 in his 26-and-a-half minutes, the second time in three games that he’s led all players in plus-minus. He’s now a +64 in a little over 80 minutes during the tournament.

The eight-year NBA veteran signed a one-year minimum contract with the Warriors in free agency, with Saric presenting as a valuable addition for a franchise facing financial restrictions entering the offseason.

The eight-year NBA veteran’s skillset projects as a seamless fit to the Warrior offense. His ability to find cutters or open shooters, whether from post-ups or at the top of the perimeter, could work perfectly next to the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

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Saric is currently playing a lot of his minutes alongside LA Clippers’ big man Ivica Zubac, but is expected to play more as a small-ball center on a Warrior roster lacking a traditional center beyond Kevon Looney.

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