By Joel Bartilotta, RotoWire
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings, 71-54, at the California Classic Summer League at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tuesday.
The Warriors came out early and set the tone in this lopsided victory, as they led 27-11 after the first quarter. In fact, the Kings never got the game within a single-digit margin after that opening quarter. Ball movement was the difference for Golden State, as they out-assisted Sacramento, 14-9, while winning the turnover differential, 14-9. Defense was critical for the Warriors, recording nine steals and nine blocks while holding the Kings to 19-of-69 shooting from the field and 4-of-26 from three-point range. Golden State’s bench was also huge, considering they outscored Sacramento’s reserves, 23-7.
The Warriors’ (2-0) best player was Jordan Bell. The big man collected eight points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and four blocks. Jacob Evans, making his summer league debut, led the team in scoring, totaling 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. Damian Jones accrued six points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Kings (1-1) were led by Justin Jackson, as he tallied 20 points and five rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Frank Mason was the only other King in double figures, accumulating 16 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals. Marvin Bagley had a game to forget. The No. 2 overall pick went just 3-of-16 from the field to collect seven points and seven boards. The bench combined to shoot just 2-of-18 from the field to total seven points.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Golden State playing the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento facing the Miami Heat.
