Golden State Warriors’ rookies make huge statement in G League opener

They are too good for the level. That was the main takeaway on Golden State Warriors’ rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis after they made their G League debut for Santa Cruz on Friday night.

The pair were dominant with a combined 52 points, leading the Warriors to a 125-114 victory over the Stockton Kings at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski have continued to push their claim for more minutes in the Golden State Warriors rotation.

Jackson-Davis begun with a highlight poster dunk in the first minute of the game, one of a number of slams for the 57th overall pick. The 23-year-old was a highly efficient 11-13 shooting from the field, finishing with a game-high 28 points to go with 12 rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot.

Podziemski was the second leading scorer in the game, recording 24 points on 10-18 shooting including 3-5 from three-point range. The 19th overall pick added seven rebounds and four assists in a productive all-around performance.

Their impact was also showcased in the plus-minus, with Jackson-Davis a game-high +15 and Podziemski just behind at +14. The pair combined for 34 of their 52 points in the first-half, making an early statement to Steve Kerr who was in attendance to watch his players and support his son Nick who was making his coaching debut.

Elsewhere, Golden State forward Gui Santos, fresh off signing with the franchise earlier this week, had 19 points, three rebounds and four assists. The Brazilian finished 6-14 shooting from the floor but made just one of his seven three-point attempts.

22-year-old guard Lester Quinones had 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists on 4-11 shooting, but fellow two-way player Usman Garuba failed to have the same impact. The former first-round pick fouled out in 13 minutes, finishing with four points, six rebounds and four turnovers off the bench.

Santa Cruz made a fast start in the opening period, beginning on a 14-0 run and pouring in 40 points to lead by 12 at the end of the first-quarter. The Kings responded to tie the game in the third-quarter, but the Warriors steadied to record a double-digit win.

The Warriors will host the Salt Lake City Stars on the second night of a back-to-back on Saturday afternoon, but that may not include Podziemski and Jackson-Davis who could be recalled to the main squad.

Golden State will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center on Saturday night, signalling the first of a 10-game stretch where they will play eight games on their home floor.