The Santa Cruz Warriors triumphed over the Windy City Bulls with a close score of 112-107, marking an exciting conclusion to the NBA G League Winter Showcase held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Key players for the Warriors included forward Kevin Knox II and two-way center Quinten Post, both leading the team with 17 points. Post further distinguished himself with an impressive 11 rebounds, achieving his fifth double-double of the season. Pat Spencer also stood out, contributing 16 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists during his third appearance with the team. Forward Black Hinson added 16 points off the bench, while Jackson Rowe rounded out the Warriors’ scoring with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Bulls were led by DJ Steward, who had a strong performance with 21 points and 12 assists, marking his fourth double-double of the season. Other notable contributions came from Adama Sanogo with 16 points and nine rebounds, and Chris Duarte added 15 points and six assists.
The game kicked off with the Warriors quickly establishing dominance, starting with a 7-0 run. They maintained this momentum throughout the first quarter and headed into the second with a solid 28-17 lead. Although Windy City attempted a comeback with a 13-2 run to narrow the deficit, Santa Cruz maintained a 58-54 lead by halftime.
In the second half, crucial back-to-back three-pointers from Spencer and Hinson helped the Warriors solidify their lead. The Bulls kept the pressure on, reducing the gap to just one point late in the game. However, Knox’s critical eight points in the final three minutes ultimately secured the victory for Santa Cruz.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will begin their regular-season journey with a back-to-back series against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on December 27 and 28. Fans can stay connected by downloading the official Santa Cruz Warriors app or contacting the team for ticket information.
This win not only showcases the Warriors’ resilience and teamwork but also sets a promising tone for their upcoming regular season. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances as the team gears up for future matchups.