Harry Giles Earns First NBA Double-Double in California Classic Finale

by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter

The Sacramento Kings wrapped up the first ever California Classic Summer League tournament on Thursday afternoon with a competitive 86-76 loss to the Miami Heat. As the Kings now head to Las Vegas for standard Summer League action next week, there’s a lot of good and bad from these three games to reflect on.

Harry Giles showed significant growth game by game. Not only did he show he was healthy and ready to compete after his knee injury in college, he showed his explosiveness and talent on both ends of the floor. Today his 11 points and 12 rebounds earned him his first ever NBA double-double. He was very active on both ends of the floor, his play significantly more fluid and natural than on Monday and Tuesday.

“I watched a lot of film yesterday, wanting to see what I was doing wrong. Slowing down, letting it come to me, and that’s what happened tonight,” said Giles, “First double double. I feel good. First one in a while”.

Justin Jackson also built on his bounce-back performance Tuesday night, leading all scorers with 26 points on 53% shooting. Giles was quick to complement his hustle and effort following the game. “He put two good games together. He is shooting the ball amazing.”

Justin Jackson posts a game-high 26 PTS for the @SacramentoKings. #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/H10AqAkH8E

— NBA (@NBA) July 5, 2018

The biggest disappointment, besides the news that De’Aaron Fox’s summer is over after just one game (a precaution announced before Thursday’s game due to Fox’s sore achilles), was the continued struggles for Marvin Bagley III. After scoring 18 points and pulling down six rebounds in his debut, he has managed only eight points on 16% shooting and 10 total rebounds in the other two games. Tonight was his worst yet, going without a field goal in only 2 attempts. He finished with just one point and 3 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes.

No excuses for @MB3FIVE. He is ready to grow and learn. pic.twitter.com/661THYe7PL

— Matt George (@MattGeorgeKHTK) July 5, 2018

“Last 2 games weren’t my best games. Got to move on,” said a tired but very determined Bagley, “Its a process. It will come though. I’m trying to figure out different things to get a bucket”.

His friend, teammate, and fellow Duke Blue Devil Harry Giles still has a lot of faith in the 2nd overall draft pick, “It was a rough day for him. It happens. Next game he will have a great game and bounce back. It’s still early for him. He will get better each game I promise you”.

Sacramento opens up their Summer League in Las Vegas on Saturday against number one overall pick DeAndre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns at 4:30pm on ESPN.

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