Best of Day Two play: Kings-Warriors
Two down, eight to go
Day Two of the 2009 NBA Summer League is in the books as the Rockets downed the Mavericks, 98-95, to wrap up today’s play. But the game of the day and the best of the eight played so far was the Kings-Warriors battle which saw Golden State storm back from a 14-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter and win in overtime, 98-95.
It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s winter or summer, if the Kings and Warriors meet, it’s bound to be intense.
Warriors rookie guard Stephen Curry, who was 0-for-8 from the floor at the half, came on strong and finished with 29 points, including a layup with 13 seconds left in overtime to put the Warriors ahead for good.
Not to be outdone, Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans had 25 points. But he made a rookie mistake as he was called for an eight-second backcourt violation with 25.2 seconds left in OT, giving the Warriors possession, which led to Curry’s game-winning layup.
It was the first OT game this summer and it was a beauty.
Looking better
Friday, we told you about Warriors coach Don Nelson wearing a hip-hop style black Warriors T-shirt. Saturday, Nellie, 69, was back wearing a blue Warriors golf shirt. A much better look for him.
Sunday’s slate
Day Three will be highlighted by Memphis rookie center, Hasheem Thabeet, as the Grizzlies face Oklahoma City in the Cox at 5 p.m. It’s also the 2009 debut for New Orleans, San Antonio and Minnesota.
Studs and Duds
Today’s Studs and Duds from Day Two at the Cox:
Stud: Rodrigue Beaubois, Mavericks. Scored 34 points and nearly single-handedly brought the Mavs back against Houston. His 34 makes him the early leader in the clubhouse for most points in a game so far.
Stud: Stephen Curry, Warriors. Shook off a horrendous 0-for-8 start and finished with 29 points by going 8 of 14 the rest of the way. That’s a good sign for Warriors fans.
Stud: Austin Daye, Pistons. Shot it much better (8 of 14), finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. He looked much more comfortable out there than Friday.
Dud: Christian Eyenga, Cavaliers. One point in 18 listless minutes vs. the Lakers. Hope he has a good agent who can get him placed somewhere.
Dud: Smush Parker, Raptors. Anytime you have more fouls (7) than points (6), that’s not a good performance. And he’s an NBA veteran?