Pat Spencer made his NBA debut start for the Golden State Warriors in a shorthanded game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 19 points to help secure a 99-94 victory. The former lacrosse star shot efficiently and contributed key points in the fourth quarter. Coach Steve Kerr praised Spencer's competitiveness and shooting improvement.
The Golden State Warriors faced the Cleveland Cavaliers while shorthanded, giving Pat Spencer his first NBA start. Spencer, on a two-way contract, delivered his best professional performance with 19 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. He shot 7-of-12 from the field, including three three-pointers, and added 12 points in the fourth quarter as Cleveland mounted a rally.
The Warriors held on for a 99-94 win. Spencer has been active in all 24 games this season and is trending toward a full roster promotion.
"We’ve seen the competitiveness," coach Steve Kerr said. "He’s really improved his jump shot. Last year, he would turn down a lot of threes. Now he’s a threat out there. And his coach realizes that Pat is that motherf—er. That became clear."
Spencer, a former college lacrosse star at Loyola Maryland, joined the Warriors' G League affiliate Santa Cruz before earning a late-season promotion last year. He returned this season on another two-way deal.
"It’s fun to watch a guy who has had to fight for everything finally get his moment," Kerr said.
