The MVP of the night | Chris Duarte, a fearless rookie | NBA

His name was on the Warriors roster at the time of the Draft. Last July, Steve Kerr and Bob Myers had considered selecting Chris Duarte if he had been available in 14th position. Placed just in front of them, the Pacers had grilled their politeness, and the Warriors had fallen back on Moses Moody.

After the victory of the Pacers, the 3rd in a row on the floor of the Warriors, we understand better why the rear of Oregon had caught the eye of the scouts of Golden State.

Against Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, Chris Duarte signs his best game of the season with 27 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals. All at 10 of 16 on shots. On his own, the Montrealer scored almost as many points as the Thompson/Wiggins/Poole trio (28 points).

He has been seen leading the game like Malcolm Brogdon, but also attacking the circle like Caris LeVert. Without forgetting to plant a 3-pointer after having caught cold Jonathan Kuminga. He is a complete exterior, mature in his game, and he did not give in under the pressure in extra time. And to see him at a press conference, he’s a funny and talkative boy.

“I thought we had a great game defensively. We helped each other, we supported each other and we believed in each other, and that counts for a lot in our victory. he explained after thanking the Indianapolis press for staying up late. “We young people love to play against the best. We learn a lot. We are hungry, we have energy to spare”.

On a personal level, he explains that Rick Carlisle asks him to play fast. “The coach told me not to think too much and to play fast. He asked me not to stay halfway and try to go to the circle. I think I did a good job in that area, and I think it’s a big step for me tonight. “

Next step, precisely, Phoenix where he will challenge another size to his position: Devin Booker.