3 takeaways from the Warriors’ California Classic win over the Lakers

SAN FRANCISCO – A spectacularly botched layup, especially the absence of a much-vaunted rookie, and another blowout Warriors win.

Anthony Vereen went undefeated in his lifetime as head coach.

“We talked about some of our core principles, some things that we really wanted to set our culture around, and we talked about commitment,” Vereen said after the game. “Individual commitment to our team effort, and we said that connection – not just on the court, but off the court. And if you see these guys hanging out with each other, you’ll swear they’ve been on the team for years.

“So it’s really humbling as a coach to see that they want to play for each other. They know that your success equals my success and equals our success.

The biggest disappointment for a packed Chase Center was that the Lakers held Bronny James out as a precaution because of inflammation in his knee. At various points during the game, chants of “We want Bronny” erupted from the crowd.

Warriors second-round pick Quinton Post also missed his second consecutive game as he recovers from a minor foot injury.

Dequan Plowden, Ethan Thompson and Marques Bolden stood out for the second consecutive game for the Warriors, leading them to a 92–68 win.

Here are three observations from the action.

plenty of minutes to wander

With Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski training with the US Select Team, the Warriors had fewer NBA-caliber players during the first couple games than most teams.

The bench became even thinner Sunday against the young Lakers.

Post missed his second consecutive game as he was awaiting clearance from the performance team. Pat Spencer, who was a brilliant opener in the California Classic, was also in street clothes on Sunday. Yuri Collins also missed the first game.

The absence provided more opportunities for guys like Bolden, Plowden, Mantas Rubstavicius and Kevin Knox II. This is not such a bad thing. And for the Warriors, more opportunities meant more dominant team basketball.

First look at Knox

Kevin Knox II, the ninth overall selection in the 2018 draft, made his Warriors Summer League debut. He was on Golden State’s starting roster, but a calf injury caused some confusion regarding his availability. On Sunday, he was ready to roll.

Players with Knox’s pedigree and experience shouldn’t have much trouble in Summer League competition. But because of a calf injury, this was the 24-year-old’s first real race of the summer, he said after the game. He certainly didn’t dominate.

Knox flubbed a pair of layups and went 0-for-4 at the free throw line overall. The former Knicks, Hawks, Pistons and Blazers made a few steals and scored 3 in the second half.

Knox finished with seven points, five assists and four rebounds in 19 minutes and shot 3 of 10 from the field. He wants to use Summer League as an opportunity to compete while playing organized basketball, get in game shape, and prove he can be a leader.

“I love the game of basketball,” Knox said. “I love playing. I really want to go out there and show teams that I can compete on a nightly basis, no matter what stage I’m playing in.

Dalton Knecht is still feeling things

That’s what summer league is for. Even the most talented up-and-coming rookies often have to adapt to a new level of play.

The Lakers’ 17th overall pick, Dalton Knecht, is a perfect example. A 23-year-old wing who has played three college seasons, he is the type of prospect who should be able to take the field. But he’s still getting used to the speed of the game.

With the ball in their hands at half court, the East Tennessee Vols seemed to pick up the pace of the game a bit. He had trouble finishing inside at times against bigger, more athletic interior defenders like Bolden. On defense, he allowed Reece Beekman to pass him on the baseline in one game.

Knecht still had his moments. He finished with 12 points on 3-13 shooting, along with a few steals. His hangtime was impressive, especially on one drive in transition. After gaining rhythm, he should be athletic enough to maintain his rhythm.

That time will come. That’s what summer league is for.