Warriors’ Jackson-Davis Struggles at Rim in 30-Point Loss to Kings

The Golden State Warriors suffered a devastating 30-point loss to the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on Sunday, with starting center Trayce Jackson-Davis struggling to finish at the rim. The defeat undid much of the momentum from back-to-back wins over the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Jackson-Davis, who has been a bright spot since returning to the starting lineup last month, faced a tough matchup against Kings All-Star Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis dominated early, recording eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists in the first quarter alone. While Jackson-Davis has been a defensive asset, his offensive struggles, particularly on layups, have become a growing concern for the Warriors.

Prior to Sunday’s game, Jackson-Davis had averaged 12.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in eight games since reclaiming his starting role on December 21. However, his inability to convert easy opportunities near the basket has frustrated fans and hindered the team’s offensive efficiency. After shooting 70.2% from the floor during his rookie season, Jackson-Davis is now converting just 57.5% of his attempts this year.

The 24-year-old’s struggles are most evident on layups, where he is shooting a dismal 39% (46-of-118) this season. This is a significant drop from his 58.9% mark on layups last year. For a player who takes over 69% of his shots from inside the restricted area, such inefficiency is a major issue.

Experts suggest that Jackson-Davis’s left-hand dominance and lack of confidence may be contributing factors. Opposing teams may also be exploiting his tendencies, as scouting reports have likely identified his weaknesses. The Warriors have reportedly explored trade options, including a potential deal for Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, who is shooting 63.6% on layups this season and offers additional offensive versatility.

Whether or not the Warriors make a move, Jackson-Davis must improve his finishing at the rim to maximize his impact. With the team already facing offensive challenges, his development in this area could be crucial for Golden State’s success moving forward.