The Golden State Warriors needed some help after Steph Curry pulled out of their Western Conference tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Steph Curry did not feature due to injury, and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr had to get creative.
It was a tough night where no Warriors player hit the 20-point mark, yet it was a close game, with the Thunder winning 105-101 in the end.
One player who did step up and contribute from the bench was former college lacrosse star Pat Spencer, who has been fighting for his chance in the NBA.
Pat Spencer’s journey to the NBA
Pat Spencer set lacrosse college records for points and assists, and was taken with the number one pick in the 2019 draft. He decided to forego that opportunity and pursue a basketball career.
Spencer went to Northwestern University to play basketball – only to see his dream derailed by the Covid season. He ended up going to Germany to play for the Hamburg Towers, before finding his way to the NBA G-League.
After a season with the Wizards’ affiliate team, Spencer signed a deal with the Warrior’s affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors, before finally landing a two-way contract in 2023.
Spencer made his NBA debut back in February and this season he had played three games for a total of five minutes – before last night. Against the Thunder he played 15 minutes, and really helped a Warriors team in need of a spark.
The 28-year-old scored 6 points, had 4 rebounds and 3 assists, making the most of his opportunity.
Steve Kerr on Pat Spencer
Steve Kerr was full of admiration for Spencer’s contribution to the team and credited him for changing the game.
He told a press conference: “You love to see a guy just come in and play with great force and energy and push the ball and find shooters. He just plays the game. And I thought Pat changed the game soon as he got out there.
“The game finally opened up for us, and we started to move the ball.”
Asked if he had planned to utilize Spencer in a larger role with Curry out, Kerr responded: ” We weren’t sure, but we knew that off the bench, we, you know, really lacked a point guard. Kyle’s a point forward, and he handled the ball for us. But when we were struggling in that, you know, that first quarter, it was an easy choice for me to go to Pat.”
Asked what Spencer had shown to warrant the opportunities, Kerr added: “The guy’s a gamer. He’s one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. So he’s a competitor. He’s an athlete. He has worked his tail off to get to this point.
“Incredible teammate and he’s a damn good player. I mean, he just shoots it well, he passes it well, and he you see the movement and the flow when he’s when he’s on the floor.”
OKC are now 14-4 at top of the Western Conference, with the Houston Rockets at 14-6, and the Warriors now in third at 12-6, on a three game losing streak.
