After a disappointing loss to the Portland Trailblazers to start the NBA Summer League, the Golden State Warriors looked to bounce back Sunday night against the Utah Jazz. They did just that, as they beat the Jazz without their star first-round draft pick Ace Bailey, 103-93, and improved their summer league record to 1-1. Both Alex Toohey and Will Richard had great performances, but the surprising lights-out shooting display came off the bench from a player who went undrafted.
Gabe Madsen, who, despite not starting the game, finished the first half shooting 6-7 behind the arc and ended the game with 22 points on 12 shots in only 17 minutes.
Even though Madsen only scored four points in the second half of the game, his elite three-point shooting lifted the Warriors to a comfortable lead in the first half. The 6’6″ guard displayed an impressive ability to knock down difficult shots from behind the arc with a defender closely guarding him. During his last two seasons at the University of Utah, Madsen made 100+ threes and finished as the school’s all-time leading three-point shooter.
The Warriors could use a young shot maker like Madsen on their roster, after missing out on Koby Brea in the draft and several key free agents in the offseason. Following a stellar game two, Madsen will most likely receive more minutes in the summer league going forward, which will give the Warriors a better idea of what he can truly do on the court. Golden State has one more open two-way spot, so they should consider signing Madsen alongside Taran Armstrong and Jackson Rowe.
The Warriors’ 52nd overall pick had his best game as a Warrior yet, as he produced 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 4-11 from the field. The 6’8″ Australian had some wild shot attempts around the basket, but was able to convert several contested layups. Toohey’s post moves are impressive for a smaller forward, but he can improve them even more by learning from Draymond Green.
Toohey has struggled a bit with his outside shot, but he nailed a clutch corner three to pull the game away in the fourth quarter. The Warriors are in desperate need of size and shooting. With the loss of Kevon Looney and potentially Jonathan Kuminga in free agency, Toohey could step right into the rotation with enough development.
The former Florida Gator had a quietly impactful game two in the summer league as he produced 10 points, 6 rebounds, and grabbed 3 steals, while shooting 3-7 from the field. Richard’s ability to get to the basket and shoot looks quite similar to former Warriors guard Jordan Poole. Richard is also donning number 3, Poole’s former jersey number.
The difference between Poole and Richard is that the latter has more of a focus on the defensive side of the ball, as seen by his 3 steals. Overall, he has had a more consistent summer league than Toohey and Madsen so far, and will look to find meaningful minutes on the Warriors where he can have a positive impact on the defensive end of the floor.
Madsen, Toohey, and Richard will look to build off their great performances as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. EST. The young trio will continue to prove their value to a Warriors team that has yet to make any signings in free agency. If the rookies continue to play at a high level in the summer league, they all deserve spots on the Warriors roster next season, with the potential to play key minutes.
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