Golden State Warriors rookie Ryan Rollins registered his first career triple-double while on assignment in the NBA G League to lead the Santa Cruz Warriors past Bay Lakers on Friday.
Rollins produced 22 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals in nearly 35 minutes of work in the 111-100 victory. He finished 9-of-19 from the field, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, in his ninth game with Santa Cruz.
He became the eighth player in the G League to record a triple-double this season. It was the first time Rollins reached double digits in rebounds and assists as the 44th pick was active in getting his teammates involved as the lead guard.
22 PTS đź“Š 11 REB đź“Š 10 AST
Ryan Rollins dropped his first career TRIPLE-DOUBLE to help the @GLeagueWarriors snap the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak! This was his third straight game with 20+ points. pic.twitter.com/QgcXknc1BJ
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 10, 2022
Rollins turned in his best all-around outing of the season with the performance. He often made the right play and seldom made mistakes, committing only two turnovers. Limiting his turnovers has been a priority for Rollins and it has shown.
He averaged 6.7 turnovers over his first six games on assignment with Santa Cruz. Since, though, Rollins has dropped that number down to 1.7 in three games.
Rollins explained what has led to the recent turnaround.
Somebody told me I have a tendency to score the ball because that is what I’ve been doing all my life so it has been me not looking to score all of the time and looking to make the right plays and not force things. Just keeping things simple.
He has totaled 43 minutes of work in seven appearances this season with Golden State with several veteran players ahead of him on the depth chart. With playing time at a premium, Rollins has been with Santa Cruz on a few occasions to log extended minutes.
The 20-year-old has responded by averaging 19.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals on 48.5% shooting from the field with Santa Cruz. He recorded a season-high 27 points on 12-of-20 shooting on Nov. 10 in a win over the OKC Blue.
He likes the opportunity to play in the G League.
It is very important. It is a time to get reps, get your wind up and all of that. It is great for young guys like me or guys who are even older to get some reps and play basketball.
Rollins will likely continue to see time in the G League in order to get more reps and game action. The team has had great success in developing players with its affiliate and will be looking to replicate that again this year.
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