Yardbarker
x
Watch: Trayce Jackson-Davis blocks Giannis twice
Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Trayce Jackson-Davis blocks Greek Freak twice in one possession

The Bucks had cut the Warriors' 22-point lead to six points. Then Trayce Jackson-Davis came in and saved the game.

Jackson-Davis, the Warriors rookie center, made an immediate impact when he entered the game with 5:33 left in the third. He scored a layup on Golden State's first possession, then he blocked two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Twice. In one possession.

Not only did Jackson-Davis deny Antetokounmpo at the rim, he hustled downcourt for a dunk at the other end. As the quarter continued, he added another dunk, drew a foul on another alley-oop attempt, grabbed three rebounds, blocked Antetokounmpo for a third time and forced him into an out-of-bounds turnover.

The game, which looked close to being dead even with 17 minutes to go, ended in a blowout 125-90 Warriors victory.

For much of the season, the Warriors have struggled due to a lack of an inside presence. They found one in an unlikely place: The 57th pick in last summer's draft.

After tonight, Jackson-Davis has 65 dunks, second on the team to Jonathan Kuminga. He's the best alley-oop threat the team has had since JaVale McGee, plus a long, shot-blocking threat that has transformed the bench unit's defense. "TJD" has an offensive rating of 134 and a defensive rating of 113, impressive numbers in his limited minutes.

The Warriors are 14-4 since Jan. 27. Getting contributions up and down their roster, including from the No. 57 pick, is a huge part of why they're suddenly relevant in the playoff picture again.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.