Nick Young had arguably his most complete game as a Warrior Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, totaling 12 points, three rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 21 minutes of action.
After a slow start to the season for Young, Warriors’ star Kevin Durant noted he and his teammates encourage Young to be a playmaker when he comes into the game off the bench.
“We tell Nick every time, when you’re in the game, and if you see the ball, if you catch the ball, shoot it if you open, make a play, be aggressive,” Durant said after Friday’s practice. “I think early on in the season, first few games, he was just finding his way, trying to figure out how to be aggressive. Because it’s hard when you have so many good players. I think last game was the Nick Young that you guys will see for us.”
Durant was also asked about how much Young’s “Swaggy P” reputation and persona precedes him, and disclosed that Young’s alter ego has permeated throughout his interactions with Warriors players ever since he arrived in the Bay Area.
“Swaggy P isn’t just because you making shots, man. Swaggy P is a lifestyle,” Durant said. “You live that all 24 hours a day. So yeah, I felt that soon as he came into the facility in training camp.”
Though Young had five assists Wednesday, Durant does not think Young will become an assist machine and surpass that this season. However, he does think that Young’s propensity to launch from beyond the arc could lead to him pacing the Warriors in field goal attempts during a game this season.
“Nah, I doubt it. I think four (assists) is probably his cap,” Durant joked. “But I have this ongoing bet that he’ll lead us in field goal attempts one game, so I can’t wait to see that one.”
Young’s career-high for assists is six. His career-high for field goal attempts is 33.