It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish!
Today the Golden State Warriors seek to close out their 2021 Las Vegas Summer League experience with a win over their Pacific Division rivals: the Los Angeles Lakers.
Who: Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers
When: Tuesday, August 17th @ 4PM PT
How2Watch: ESPNNEWS
MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2021 will culminate with a Championship Game between the Sacramento Kings and the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 6PM PT on ESPN.
Full schedule for the final day of games below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/R9iHEd5rtK
— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) August 16, 2021
I’m still smarting over the bizarre ending Golden State suffered Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bay’s team was clinging to a one point lead in the final seconds when Jonathan Kuminga made what appeared to be a game clinching block. BUT NO! The refs erroneously called it a goaltend, reviewed it, and said it wasn’t a goaltend… but the Pelicans still got the game winning bucket because the blocked shot was turned into a second-chance opportunity.
– refs ruled the play a goaltend
– refs overturn and call the play a block
– because its ruled a block and whistle is blown Trey Murphy is allowed to finish his shooting motion pic.twitter.com/HWUZeoQKGt— Alex. (@Dubs4O8) August 16, 2021
Never seen a goaltending call be waived off and they count the second-chance opportunity that “would have gone in” if the referee did not blow the whistle for a goaltend. Wow… the things you are in Summer League!
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 16, 2021
Hmmm… anyways, the Warriors fell to 2-2 in August. Overall it was a strong showing for the Dubs who went toe-to-toe with one of the stronger Summer League teams this season. Kuminga once again was a two-way force, amassing 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block in his 26 minutes. Justinian Jessup chipped in 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the field. Jaquori McLaughlin tallied 13 points and 8 assists, showing off his floor generalship.
Moses Moody did not participate in that game due to a chest contusion, which is a real shame considering the last time he played he looked like the second coming of Bradley Beal.
Moses Moody: 22 points tonight in a variety of ways. Push floater, spot-up 3s, off-the-dribble long 2s, transition lob, mid-range stepback, sweeping baby hook. pic.twitter.com/47Ztz1FvTc
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) August 14, 2021
It remains to be seen if he’ll suit up tonight in the final game in Vegas, but it’s clear he’s garnering plenty of attention for his work so far. Here’s the buzz he’s generating so far from our blog buddies at Silver Screen and Roll:
If he does play, the Lakers will be wise to try and keep him from getting open 3-point opportunities, as he is already showing the ability to be lethal from deep. Moody made 47.4% of his 3-point attempts in his freshman season at Arkansas, with little decline in those efficiencies in his young professional career, as he’s made 40% of his 6.7 3-point attempts per game in Vegas.
Yeah, I know. The last thing the Lakers and the rest of the NBA needed was for the Warriors to have another shooter.
BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID. The Lakers have the same 2-2 record the Warriors do, and are looking to glean fringe talent for a veteran roster that has major championship aspirations. Sports Illustrated’s Fan Nation had this to say about which Laker has a future with the team:
The best summer league player for the Lakers was guard, Austin Reaves. He may not be the most athletic or best defender on the floor, but his ability to create his shot and show an acute awareness to where the ball is should offer him a role with the South Bay Lakers, and potential Laker roster spot down the road.
This boy Austin Reaves is CONFIDENT pic.twitter.com/zdF2gyXYHx
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) August 14, 2021
You hear that Dubs? Go out there and lock Reaves up today. Nothing would make Dub Nation happier than the Warriors closing out this exciting summer session with a victory over those gosh darn Lakers.
WARRIORS!
LAKERS!
NEXT!