Eric Paschall Continues to Shine With Warriors

Birthday Vibes

Sarcasm aside, the Villanova product has played well above what people expected and has been a savior of sorts for the wounded Golden State Warriors. His 34-point performance, on his 23rd birthday nonetheless, led the Warriors to a 127-118 win Monday night over the Portland Trail Blazers. Stephen Curry, who is out for a few months dealing with a broken hand, showed some love to the birthday boy on Twitter during the game.

This was Paschall’s third 20-point performance in his last four game. According to ESPN Stats and Information, he is the first Golden State rookie since Curry to record 30 points and 10 rebounds in one game. For as rocky a start as 2019 has been for the Warriors, Paschall continues to be a high-energy bright spot. 

Steppin’ Out

Paschall came into last night’s contest having never made a three point basket in the NBA. That changed quickly, as he buried his first three perimeter shots to get the Warrior offense going early. The NBC Sports Bay Area feed made a point of how Paschall had worked on releasing the ball before his highest elevation point on his jumpshot, giving his shot more arch. The changes proved effective, as Paschall stepped into his jumpers with confidence all night long.

Perhaps what is more impressive from Paschall, however, is the aggression and confidence he plays with at all times on the floor. With Curry and Klay Thompson out, in addition to the current injuries for Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell, the Warriors are searching for guys who can help this team find an offensive identity. Paschall has certainly risen to the challenge.

Rookie Confidence?

The numbers for Paschall match what an eye test would tell you. He’s averaging over 16 points per game on 60.3% shooting. He also leads his fellow rookies in two different departments. His eFG percentage, which sits at 63.0%, leads the class as well as his PER of 20.7. Not too bad for a 41st overall pick.

Let’s compare him to a guy like Harrison Barnes, for example. Numbers aside, these two have similar skill sets. Strong, athletic wings that can both attack the basket and step back and hit jump shots. However, with Warriors fans having watched both guys now, the differences are obvious. Barnes rarely displayed an ability to take over games when in Golden State. Sure, a lot of that has to do with the fact that he was playing with Curry and Thompson. Fair. But, did he ever really do so in Dallas after earning a max contract? My answer would be no, in fact, one could argue he has lost confidence in the past couple seasons.

Under Control

Paschall plays with a “controlled aggression” as I like to call it. He utilizes his athleticism to fly around the court, contest shots, and create offensive space. However, he does so in a way that he avoids cheap fouls and silly turnovers, all while being effective. This keeps himself on the floor and allows more lineup flexibility for Steve Kerr. A prime example of his body control is evident in this clip in the Warriors game against Charlotte the other night.

Anthony Slater, who covers the Warriors for The Athletic, tweeted out this quote from Paschall in his post-game press conference. In case you still weren’t sure about his confidence, this should clarify things.

“You got to feel like you’re the best player out there. It’s a dog eat dog world. If you’re not aggressive, you gonna get eat alive. There are some killers out there.”

Other Notables

Portland received another high-level effort from Damian Lillard despite the loss. The Oakland native poured in 39 points, however, it took him 26 shots to do it. His backcourt comrade, CJ McCollum, was MIA a bit as he mustered just 14 points. Hassan Whiteside feasted on an undersized Warrior frontcourt, dropping in 20 points going 10-14 from the floor.

The Warriors, who resemble the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors more than anything, had help outside of Paschall. Boston College product Ky Bowman scored 19 points while commanding the offense well throughout the night. Damion Lee was impressive again as well, scoring 18 points and getting himself to the free throw line often. Jordan Poole, who is yet to see a shot he does not like, scored 16 points albeit on 3-16 shooting. If nothing else, one has to admire the confidence of a rookie with the swagger of a guy who’s won multiple scoring titles.

Looking Ahead

Golden State, now 2-5, gets an off day today before another challenge in the Houston Rockets await them Wednesday night on a national TV game. 

Portland will sit on the loss for two days before the new-look LA Clippers await them Thursday night at Staples Center.