Tuesday night was something of a coming-out party for Moses Moody. The rookie has been overshadowed by fellow first-round pick Jonathan Kuminga, but outscored the lottery pick by a point in the memorable 124-120 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Moody hit six 3-pointers en route to 20 points, while also securing a key offensive rebound that led to a late go-ahead three by Jordan Poole.
During his weekly appearance on 95.7 The Game’s “Damon & Ratto” Wednesday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Moody had been quietly building toward Tuesday’s performance. You can listen to the full interview above.
“I just think he needed to get used to the speed of the game,” Kerr said. “He did a good job over the first half of the season, of working every day at practice, going to Santa Cruz and competing, and producing and playing big minutes there. Really, just preparing for this opportunity. I had a sense over the last couple of weeks that he was ready. I’m thrilled for him that he’s taking advantage of the opportunity.”
Before Tuesday night, Moody’s career high in points was only 11. Kerr can remember the first time he heard about Moody, who starred at Arkansas for one season before going pro.
“I remember Bob calling me before the draft saying, ‘I think we’ve found a guy that you’re going to love,’” Kerr said. “He told me about Moses and his workout. He said he just had a feel for the game and a natural instinct for it. Once we drafted him and I was able to see him everyday, I was able to see what Bob meant. He’s just one of those guys who’s always in the right place defensively. He’s got a really high basketball IQ.”
Moody, drafted No. 14 overall, has been yo-yo-ing between Golden State and the Santa Cruz Warriors this season. The 6-foot-6 guard has been an absolute force in the G League, where his 27.4 points per game are fourth-most for any player with at least seven games played.
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Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick, took over the fourth quarter against the Spurs and dropped 14 points, including a clutch 3-pointer.
“The ceiling for JK is so high,” Kerr said. “You can see the power and the speed and raw athleticism. It’s just a matter of doing what he’s doing. … He has the potential to be a great player in this league. That’s everybody’s goal in this organization, for him to reach that status.”
Kerr said there are some key differences when it comes to the development of the two 19-year-olds. Kuminga immigrated from Congo before attending a New Jersey prep basketball powerhouse and forgoing his senior season to join the G League.
“[Kuminga] is a guy who has not had much basketball experience,” Kerr said. “Moses goes to Arkansas and plays 35 games, plays in the NCAA Tournament. JK played 12 games for the [G League] Ignite in the bubble in Orlando over a month and that was it, coming into the NBA. It’s a different learning curve for JK.”
