Eric Paschall continues to shine despite Warriors’ struggles

After reclaiming the worst record in the NBA, the emergence of Eric Paschall has been a bright spot for the Warriors this season.

With a 104-79 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, the Golden State Warriors reclaimed the worst record in the NBA as the team deals with several injuries to key players.

Of course, Klay Thompson is not expected to play this season after tearing his ACL in the playoffs last year. Stephen Curry is out definitely with a broken hand. Draymond Green has been in and out of the lineup and D’Angelo Russell hasn’t played since Nov. 15 with a thumb injury, though he is expected to return soon.

While the Warriors’ struggles are clear, the team has been allowed to have an extended look at several first-year players, including second-round pick Eric Paschall. The former Villanova forward has taken full advantage of his opportunity and has been arguably the MVP of the Warriors so far this season.

Paschall continued his impressive run against the Hawks, tallying a team-high 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists. He finished by shooting 9-of-11 from the field while he made both of his 3-point attempts. Paschall often uses his strength and size to overpower opponents down low and is converting a number of tough shots this season.

Paschall has now scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games, the longest streak by a Warriors rookie since Thompson posted 14 straight double-digit games in 2012. Paschall is averaging 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season while he currently leads all rookies in total points with 364.

As the Warriors are in a bit of uncharted territory this season after years of dominance, the emergence of Paschall and other rookies on the team certainly has to be encouraging for the team. With Ja Morant sidelined with an injury, the door for Paschall could open up in the Rookie of the Year race should Morant miss significant time.

The Warriors play next on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets.

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