Warriors fans were probably hoping not to have to worry about the name Pat Spencer during the playoffs.
But as things went from bad to worse, with a Jimmy Butler injury and Brandin Podziemski injury during Game 2 against the Rockets on Wednesday night, Spencer became a key part of the story.
He’s also one of the most unlikely players in NBA history.
From that to sharing a backcourt with Stephen Curry is quite the journey. Here’s what you should know.
Who is Pat Spencer?
Pat Spencer is a 28-year old, 6-foot-3 guard whose biggest athletic accomplishments have come on a lacrosse field.
Spencer spent four seasons of college lacrosse at Loyola in Maryland.
He was the greatest lacrosse player in the land his senior year, taking home the Tewaaraton Award, which is the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
Spencer was an All-American all four seasons at Loyola.
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How Pat Spencer went from lacrosse to basketball
Spencer did play basketball in high school at The Boys’ Latin School in Maryland. He averaged 14.3 points per game as a senior.
After his four years at Loyola, Spencer used his last eligibility to play college hoops at Northwestern.
In the 2019-20 season with the Wildcats, Spencer averaged 10.4 points per game.
The Warriors converted Spencer’s two-way contract to a standard deal on March 4, and that’s what allowed Spencer to be eligible for the postseason roster.
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Pat Spencer basketball stats
Spencer has played 55 career G League games and 45 career NBA games before Game 2 on Wednesday night.
He has averaged 2.3 points per game in those NBA appearances with 1.2 assists per game as a decent passer.
Only at 20 percent from 3, Spencer is not a good floor spacer despite being just 6-foot-3 and not a threat to attack the rim.
He played his best game in Golden State’s third-to-last regular season game, making 4-of-6 shots (2-of-3 3s) to score 12 points in a blowout of the Suns.
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