Trayce Jackson-Davis ‘playing like a seasoned vet’ as he turns in career-best performance

Trayce Jackson-Davis continues to make the most of his minutes during his rookie campaign with the Golden State Warriors and he had his best outing yet on Sunday night.

In a game when the Warriors needed a lift, Trayce Jackson-Davis poured in 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting off of the bench. He added eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. He was +8 in 18 minutes in a 118-114 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

With Draymond Green suspended and Dario Saric battling foul trouble, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr turned to Jackson-Davis — who once again provided much-needed value when he hit the floor.

“Before every game, we say let’s see if we can get Trayce out there. He’s impressive. You see how athletic he is,” Steve Kerr said postgame. “He was really productive and just gives us a different look with his athleticism and tonight he was a real key.”

Not only was Trayce Jackson-Davis effective on the offensive end of the floor, he also played a large role in defending DeAndre Ayton. With the length and athleticism of Jackson-Davis he altered numerous shots in addition to his on block. To put it simply; he made life very difficult on Ayton.

Ayton finished with just eight points on 4-of-8 from the field with eight rebounds in 33 minutes.

“He did amazing,” Klay Thompson said postgame of Trayce Jackson-Davis. “Deandre Ayton is a tough matchup. He’s big as well. Trayce played so good tonight, finishing the rim, almost had a double-double, making plays off the pick-and-roll. Playing like a seasoned vet, and he’s a rookie, which is great for the Dubs. He’s looking like the steal of the draft.”

Jackson-Davis, a second-round selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, is averaging 3.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in 9.3 minutes per game. He’s appeared in 16 games. This was Jackson-Davis’ second game in double-figures this season and second-highest minute total of the year.

SEE ALSO: Klay Thompson praises Trayce Jackson-Davis: ‘He’s going to be in the NBA a long, long time.’

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