In a rare and thrilling moment in NBA history, two brothers squared off on the court in a game last night. The Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies saw coaches Steve Kerr and Tuomas Iisalo make the standout decision to put in Pat Spencer and his brother Cam Spencer late in the fourth quarter, allowing the siblings to compete directly against one another.
The matchup created an electric atmosphere, with players and fans alike engaged, particularly Warriors star Steph Curry, who is no stranger to sibling rivalries himself, having gone head-to-head numerous times with his brother Seth. Given that the Warriors are planning to bring Seth onto their roster once financially feasible, Steph’s excitement over witnessing this brotherly encounter was palpable.
Pat Spencer, 29, has a fascinating path to the NBA. Initially a talented lacrosse player for Loyola University, he transitioned to basketball at Northwestern and began his professional career with the Capital City Go-Go in 2021. His journey continued when he signed with the Santa Cruz Warriors in 2022, leading to his call-up to the NBA on a two-way contract in 2024. Since then, he has established himself as a valuable rotational player for the Warriors. His brother, Cam, was selected by the Detroit Pistons as the 53rd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but his rights were subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, showcasing the family’s athletic prowess.
With two more matchups scheduled between the Warriors and the Grizzlies this season, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters featuring the Spencer brothers, highlighting the unique bond and camaraderie that sports can create.