Pat Spencer Steps Up in Warriors’ Comeback Win, Faces Pivotal Contract Decision
Pat Spencer isn’t one to get ahead of himself. And even after delivering the best performance of his NBA career in a gritty 101-97 comeback win over the Phoenix Suns, the 29-year-old Warriors guard is staying grounded.
Spencer, who’s been on a two-way contract this season, has now maxed out his 50-game active limit. That means if the Warriors want him on the floor moving forward, they’ll need to convert him to a standard NBA deal. With two open roster spots following Thursday's trade deadline moves - which saw Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Trayce Jackson-Davis shipped out - the door is wide open for Spencer to step through.
But if he’s feeling the weight of the moment, he’s not showing it.
“There was no monkey off my back,” Spencer said postgame on Warriors Postgame Live, standing alongside Kerith Burke, Chris Mullin, and Festus Ezeli. “I didn’t sign anything yet. We’ll have some conversations and we’ll figure that out.”
A Career Night When the Warriors Needed It Most
With Steph Curry sidelined due to knee soreness and the roster thinned by trades, Spencer was called upon to play a bigger role - and he delivered. In 28 minutes, he dropped a career-high 20 points, hitting 6-of-10 from deep and sparking a second-half surge that helped Golden State claw back from a double-digit deficit.
But true to form, Spencer deflected the spotlight.
“It wasn’t about the career-high,” he said. “Just coming out here to bring energy.
We’re a little bit short-handed. Traded some guys, just lost a couple brothers today, as far as Buddy, JK, Trayce.
And so, had to pick up the energy. Obviously, don’t have No. 30 out there and Steve gave me the confidence to let it rip from beyond the arc and got the job done.”
That’s been Spencer’s approach all season - do the dirty work, bring energy off the bench, and make the most of his minutes. Through 36 games, he’s averaging 5.8 points and 2.9 assists in just over 14 minutes per game.
But those numbers don’t fully capture his impact. He’s been a steady hand in the backcourt, a willing defender, and - as Thursday showed - a capable scorer when the opportunity presents itself.
A Decision Looms
Now comes the business side. With his two-way eligibility maxed out, Spencer can’t suit up again unless the Warriors sign him to a standard deal. And while Thursday’s performance may have nudged the front office closer to that decision, Spencer knows nothing is guaranteed.
“I don’t know if relief is the right word,” he told reporters. “We’ve got some phone calls to make here.
Business is business. We’ll figure it out.
But I’m beyond thankful for this organization and what we’ve been able to do together. I’m thankful they’ve given me an opportunity, so we’ll see where the chips fall.”
The Warriors have Friday off before traveling to Los Angeles for a Saturday night matchup with the Lakers. If Spencer is going to suit up at Crypto.com Arena, his contract situation will need to be resolved quickly.
From Lacrosse Star to NBA Contributor
Spencer’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Once a lacrosse standout at Loyola Maryland, he made the rare leap to basketball - and now, he’s on the verge of securing a full-time NBA role. His story is already one of perseverance and adaptability, but Thursday night felt like a potential turning point.
He didn’t just fill in - he led. And in a locker room that’s processing change and looking for new voices to emerge, Spencer’s performance wasn’t just timely. It was necessary.
Now, it’s up to the Warriors to decide if he’s earned a permanent seat at the table. Based on what we saw Thursday night, he’s made one heck of a case.