In Friday’s win over Portland, Donte DiVincenzo had his most impactful performance since signing with the Warriors during the offseason, writes Anthony Slater of The Athletic. With 45 seconds left and Golden State leading by two points, DiVincenzo stole the ball from Damian Lillard and followed that with a three-pointer to put the game out of reach.
DiVincenzo got off to an uneven start with his new team, but he has moved into the starting lineup in the wake of injuries to Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins. He has helped to stabilize the team’s perimeter defense and recorded four steals on Friday night.
“He’s a winner,” coach Steve Kerr said. “I mean, two-time NCAA champion. NBA champion with the Bucks. Competes every second of every play. Great rebounds. Just constantly moving toward the ball. Plays with so much energy and activity, and then he’s fearless. He knocks down that big 3. He was 0-for-3 from 3 going into that shot, and it didn’t phase him at all.”
There’s more on the Warriors:
- Jordan Poole had a game-high 41 points Friday as he continues to fill the scoring void left by Curry’s absence, Slater adds. Poole has produced hefty point totals in the team’s last five wins, and Slater believes his ability to fill in for Curry influenced Warriors management to give him a contract extension.
- Gary Payton II still hasn’t played this season, but the Trail Blazers guard picked up his championship ring during Friday’s visit to Golden State, per Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. Draymond Green was excited to make the official presentation to his former teammate. “To understand GP’s journey, to see him go and get his money, but most importantly to see what he was able to contribute to a championship — I’m extremely excited and honored to be the person that’s presenting him something that will matter and that nobody can take for the rest of your life,” Green said.
- Ty Jerome was flattered to be called “a poor man’s Steve Nash” during an interview on Warriors Postgame Live (video link). Jerome signed with Golden State after being waived by the Rockets in October, and he says the team’s style of play is a perfect fit for his skills.
- Wiggins was able to take part in a 3-on-3 session Friday morning and Kerr is “hopeful” that he’ll be able to play Monday, Johnson tweets.
I said this at the beginning of the season. People where fretting over Jordan Poole’s contract. People were sleeping on Donte. People were dismissive of Donte. His role on this Warriors team is only going to grow.
No one is sleeping on Donte. Warriors only signed 2 free agents this offseason and he was paid premium to get him to sign. Great job Myers. J. Green is solid too.
Seriously Michol, Donte got got dumped from his last team. There was no premium involved. Draymond Green loved him. I guess that is what you mean by a premium. Donte signed a 2 year contract for $9 million. Gary Payton got $28 million and still hasn’t played a minute this season. Donte has made his goal this season to get the younger players to play the same defense that won 4 championships. He has already earned their respect.
You are right. He had a bad breakup with Kings. He does have opt out after 1st year, but he is definitely a feel good story already!
Donte signed with the warriors for a cheaper amount to get his free agency back up. I see Donte getting a contract like GP2 next year. If Green bolts the warriors for a max deal somewhere else the Warriors will need to give Donte a bigger deal to stay.
Obviously other teams were sleeping on Donte. It took him awhile to get up to speed on GSW bball but he’s playing great.
Clutch player that hates to lose.
People forget that Ty Jerome was drafted ahead of Poole in the same draft in 2019. Yes, he was a first rounder and played 3 yrs at Virginia and won ncaa title. Maybe he is this year’s version of feel good story. Last yr it was GP2, Poole, Porter, and Wiggins and Klay too.
We need success stories to get us over the hump. Hopefully, it will also be Wiseman, Kuminga, and Moody.
The Warriors don’t need success stories to get them over the hump. Playing sound fundamental basketball is what they need.
Ty Jerome has surprised me after his slow start – career highs in pts and FG% at 50/39/96% despite only playing 17.5 min/gm.
His ft% leads the league for players with over 20 ftas.
Jerome’s shooting has been up and down in his previous years. He shot poorly his first year, excellent his second year, poorly his third year. If he can find consistency as a shooter he is a useful 10th-11th man worthy of a full contract.
Ty Jerome is the perfect Steady Hand the Warriors require as a backup ball handler on the second unit. His turnovers are few and that’s huge for Steve Kerr.