The Golden State Warriors bounced back from their blowout loss to the Boston Celtics in stunning fashion. The Warriors entered the game all guns blazing and hammered the Milwaukee Bucks‘ improved defense to take a 20-point lead at halftime. However, the Bucks tried to mount a comeback, closing the gap to just six with 5:33 left in the quarter. This was when rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis entered the fray to turn the game in their favor as the Golden State waltzed off with a 125-90 victory.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

In what was a highlight-reel-worthy performance against the Bucks, TJD ended the night with 15 points on 7-for-8 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked four shots, three of which came against two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former Indiana Hoosiers All-American was plus-20 in the game in 19 minutes, the second-best plus-minus margin on the team.

However, what sent the sellout crowd at Chase Center and those on the other side of the screen into a frenzy was the beautiful sequence by Trayce Jackson-Davis in the third quarter. Especially when Golden State’s resident defensive pillar Draymond Green found himself unable to contain the Greek Freak.

ADVERTISEMENT

NBA world reacts to the wild Trayce Jackson-Davis show

It started with Trayce Jackson-Davis denying Antetokounmpo twice in a single possession. After TJD blocked his shot at the rim, the Greek Freak grabbed the loose ball and attempted a reverse layup, only for Jackson-Davis to emphatically swat the ball off the backboard. This wild play earned the rookie center the coveted “The Giannis Stopper” nickname.

However, he wasn’t done yet. To tie it all together, the 24-year-old charged back down on the court and ended the sequence with an empathic alley-oop dunk that left the crowd in awe. One user took to X to share his thoughts on the insane sequence.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another user is confused about whether this was a basketball game or a dunk contest. To be fair, we all are.

ADVERTISEMENT

This fan thinks rising star Trayce Jackson-Davis can even rival the all-time great Michael Jordan.

ADVERTISEMENT

With the Warriors’ squad finally healthy, a roster crunch is imminent. However, one fan believed TJD had earned his minutes with this highlight reel-worthy performance.

One user demanded a raise for both Jackson-Davis and Jonathan Kuminga since both stars proved their worth and stepped up big time when the veterans were either in a slump or serving suspensions.

ADVERTISEMENT

One fan is finding it hard to grasp why the rookie center was the 57th overall pick in the 2023 draft and why he is still not receiving the recognition he truly deserves within the team.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jackson-Davis did say he would make teams regret passing on him. It seems like he’s delivering on that promise with each game.

With eight victories in their last 11 games, the Warriors are now just half a game clear of the eight-seeded Dallas Mavericks. As they gear up to face the Chicago Bulls tonight, they’ll be hoping to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the standings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read More: Why Is Warriors Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis a ‘Walking Miracle’? Deep Dive Into Near Career Ending Injuries

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

Written by

author-image

Darshita

618 Articles

Darshita is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who is creating her own space in the spectrum of sport journalism. Darshita specializes in dissecting post-game interviews, trade, and contracts. Her appetite for literature, akin to her affection for the Milwaukee Bucks, knows no bounds. As a dedicated fan of the Cream City and a particular admirer of the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Darshita's beat writing details every intricacy, even the critique. Her articles go beyond the box scores and game highlights, delving into the human stories behind the players, the franchises, and the unforgettable moments that make the NBA an unparalleled spectacle. Darshita's passion for the NBA extends beyond the written word, finding solace in the world of books.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Ankit Singh