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What we learned as Plowden continues his hot streak in Warriors’ win over Cavs Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
The Warriors were in a bind heading into Wednesday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the team decided to sit out players Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis for the remainder of this year’s NBA Summer League season.
However, that didn’t stop the Warriors from beating the Cavs 96-85 at COX Pavilion in Las Vegas. The win improved the Warriors to an undefeated 6-0 record this summer.
Coach Anthony Vereen’s team dominated almost every facet of the game. They took 11 fewer shots, but scored three more overall than Cleveland. Both teams made 13 three-pointers; however, the Warriors were the more accurate team. The Warriors also made five more free throws than the Cavs, had 10 more rebounds, four more assists and committed five fewer fouls.
His only drawback was committing 20 turnovers and allowing the Cavs to total 13 steals.
Along with Podziemski and Jackson-Davis, Daeqwon Plowden, Pat Spencer and Jackson Rowe combined to score 42 points.
Here are three takeaways from the Warriors’ sixth straight win.
Fresh from a round trip
Plowden had already proven enough this summer, accepting to a two-way contract with the Warriors on Wednesday. Their long road to this point won’t be halted by one big step. The Warriors were without their two best players, but Plowden remained in the starting lineup.
The summer league standout continued to show why he deserves to be on the team. In the first half, Plowden was plus-11, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting and hitting three three-pointers.
Plowden then dunked huge on the Warriors’ first possession of the second half.
In 25 minutes, Plowden scored 16 points, shot 6-of-11 and made four of his nine 3-point attempts. Plowden also grabbed seven rebounds and was plus-12.
Maybe the Warriors will keep putting Plowden on the field. They don’t really need him. He has proven his point.
Spencer’s response
Plowden now occupies the Warriors’ third and final two-way contract, joining Spencer and Reece Beekman. Beekman was signed after going undrafted in June, but is currently dealing with a minor injury. Spencer was converted to a two-way contract at the end of February.
He is the only player who remains from last season. Internal pressure may also have increased for Spencer after the Plowden news, as Second round draft pick Quinten Post He still doesn’t have a clear path to a roster spot.
Spencer had the exact answer on Wednesday. The player, who just turned 28, was 4-for-4 from the field in the first half, including two 3-pointers. He had scored 11 points and filled the scoreboard, along with three rebounds, two assists and four steals.
His perfect night came to an end in the second half. Spencer attempted two more shots, making one and missing another. Along with 13 points, five rebounds and four steals, Spencer’s seven assists led the Warriors.
Don’t forget Rowe
If anyone was going to push for a spot on both Warriors summer league teams, Rowe seemed like a safe bet.
The 6-foot-7 forward is 27 years old and previously played professionally in Canada but excelled in Santa Cruz last season. Rowe, between the regular season and the exhibition, played in 47 games for the Sea Dubs and averaged 12.4 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 39.6 percent of his three-point shots.
That’s the kind of player who stood out Wednesday night. Rowe had a game-high plus-22 in 28 minutes. Rowe scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds. He shot 5 of 9 overall and 3 of 6 on 3-pointers.
It’s easy to see why Plowden has been the focus of attention this summer. Rowe should not be forgotten either.