Warriors Stage Remarkable Comeback, Secure Top Seed in West
In a thrilling NBA G League matchup dubbed “Pajama Night,” the Santa Cruz Warriors initially struggled, trailing the Stockton Kings by 19 points in the first quarter. However, a second-half surge propelled them to a remarkable 121-112 overtime victory at Kaiser Permanente Arena.
Gui Santos Shines in Overtime
The turning point came in overtime, with Golden State assignment player Gui Santos showcasing his skills. Santos scored five of his 15 points in the extra period, leading the Warriors to a 9-0 run against Stockton. This pivotal performance secured the Warriors’ position as the top seed in the West for the upcoming Showcase Cup Tournament.
Showcase Cup Tournament Beckons
With a 10-4 record, the Warriors are among the eight teams advancing to the single-elimination Showcase Cup Tournament. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the G League’s Winter Showcase in Orlando, Florida, spanning from Tuesday through Friday. First-round matchups will be unveiled on Sunday evening.
Lester Quinones Leads the Charge
Golden State’s two-way guard Lester Quinones played a pivotal role in the comeback, recording a team-high 26 points and 13 rebounds. This stellar performance marked Quinones’ first double-double of the season, showcasing his impact on the court.
Contributions Across the Roster
Guard Kendric Davis added 21 points to the scoreboard, while two-way center Usman Garuba secured his fifth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Donovan Williams and bench player Pat Spencer also made significant contributions with 14 and 12 points, respectively, aiding the Warriors’ comeback.
Stockton’s Strong Effort Falls Short
Despite a career-high 37 points from guard Jordan Ford and notable performances by Jeremy Lamb and Stanley Johnson, the Stockton Kings (4-10) couldn’t withstand the Warriors’ late-game resurgence.
In summary, Santa Cruz’s resilient second-half performance not only secured a thrilling victory but also positioned them as a formidable force heading into the Showcase Cup Tournament.
