The Golden State Warriors’ first preseason game of the 2020-21 campaign saw the Bay Area debut of offseason addition Kelly Oubre Jr.
With the Denver Nuggets in town, the 25-year-old registered 22 minutes in Golden State’s backcourt with Steph Curry, scoring 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting. Oubre Jr. displayed his scoring potential, knocking down a corner 3-pointer and finishing a tough layup with a defender draped all over him.
The Kansas product also showed up on the defensive end, tallying three blocks against the Nuggets. Along with protecting the rim, Oubre Jr. picked up Jamal Murray with full-court pressure at times during the game.
Via @gswchris on Twitter:
OUBRE MEETS MPJ AT THE RIM pic.twitter.com/ZTnJLiME0Z
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) December 13, 2020
Kelly Oubre's defense on Jamal Murray here. You love to see it pic.twitter.com/b79NcT8b78
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) December 13, 2020
After the preseason game, Steve Kerr had praise for Oubre Jr.’s defense. In his postgame press conference, Kerr called the new Golden State wing’s defense “excellent.”
Excellent. He’s not afraid to guard the ball and take on the toughest challenge. I thought he did a really good job.
Although he didn’t record a block or a steal against the Nuggets, Kerr also “loved” what he saw from Andrew Wiggins on the defensive end.
I loved Andrew’s defense, as well. A lot of active plays coming from the weakside — going up to challenge guy’s shots from behind, sort of coming out of nowhere to bother shooters.
During his 12 game stint in Golden State last season, Wiggins averaged a career-best 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest. The former NBA Rookie of the Year swatted a new career-high four blocks against the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 29.
Listen to Kerr’s full postgame presser via Warriors SoundCloud.
Once Draymond Green and James Wiseman return to the rotation healthy, Steve Kerr will have a chance to evaluate his restructured defensive attack. Wiggins and Oubre Jr.’s steady presence on defense against the Nuggets was a positive first step for Golden State’s new-look unit.
