Incredible, but true: The San Quentin Warriors defeated members of their namesake Golden State Warriors by four points, 92-88, in a hard-fought basketball game on the Lower Yard.
“You guys won the right to be called the ‘Real Warriors’ fair and square,” said the team’s assistant general manager, Kirk Lacob.
The Sept. 26 visit attracted a crowd of some 300 inmates, guests and prison staff. It was Golden State’s third game at the prison, but the first time San Quentin won. Last year Mark Jackson and Brian Scalabrine played. In 2012, Draymond Green visited and signed autographs.
“This gives the guys something to look forward to,” said Lt. Sam Robinson, San Quentin’s public information officer. “Prison existence is mundane; these guys coming in here is nothing but uplifting.”
The Golden State team included assistant coaches and former NBA players Luke Walton and Jarron Collins, Golden State General Manager Bob Myers, Johnny “Logo” West (Jerry West’s son), Chris DeMarco, Nick Uren and Lacob.
The game remained close, ending in upset when the prisoners beat the group of former NBA players.
With less than two minutes left in the game, Lacob knocked down a three-pointer, bringing Golden State to within one point at 89-88.
With time running out, Lacob fouled Joshua Burton to stop the clock. Burton made both clutch free throws, leaving the score 91-88.
With 30 seconds left, Golden State fouled Burton again. This time he hit one free throw, giving San Quentin a four-point lead.
Walton then went for the three-pointer and missed. Anthony Ammons rebounded the ball for San Quentin. Myers, who led Golden State with 27 points, fouled him hard to stop the clock at :10.
“Bob Myers just committed his first felony with that foul there,” joked San Quentin commentator Aaron “Huron” Taylor.
Ammons missed both free throws. With time running out and four points to recover, Golden State went for another three-pointer but missed, leaving San Quentin the winner at the buzzer.
“What makes basketball a beautiful sport is that it brings us all together,” said Golden State Warrior head coach Steve Kerr. “A mutual love of basketball connects us.”
Active Golden State players Marreese “Mo” Speights, Ognjen Kuzmic and Festus Ezeli couldn’t play in the game because they are under contract, but watched from the bench. Rookies Mitchell Watt from the University of Buffalo, Aaron Craft from Ohio State and James McAdoo from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, also attended. They are currently trying out for the team.
“I’m happy I can share with the prisoners,” Ezeli said. “It’s a humbling experience. Even in here, everybody is able to move on and find peace and happiness. This is a way we can help them serve their time.”
The prisoners also enjoyed the event, which they have been looking forward to all year.
“This is the biggest event yet,” said inmate Robert Butler, general manager for the San Quentin team. “You have four generations of basketball players in here.”
The game was full of highlights.
With two seconds left on the clock at the end of the first quarter, San Quentin was up four points. Demarco got the ball and made a half-court, three-point shot at the buzzer. The crowd of inmates, guards and volunteers erupted.
“That’s my range. I’ll do it again right now,” Demarco joked after the game.
Thad Fleeton, the 5-foot-10 power forward for San Quentin, made an up and under layup in the middle of 6-foot-6 and 7-foot competitors, taking a 26-24 lead early in the second quarter.
The game was just as close at the start of the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 72-72. San Quentin Warrior Joshua Burton threw up an alley-oop to Allan McIntosh for a tie-breaking slam-dunk. McIntosh led all scorers with 33 points,
“McIntosh was great,” Myers said.
In the fourth quarter, Harry “ATL” Smith blocked Collins at the rim as he went up for a dunk. The crowd erupted.
Smith finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds, showing his talent with a couple of monster jams and blocks. Collins finished with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
“My players, after all the hard work and listening to my mouth, came through in a big way,” said inmate Daniel Wright, who coaches the San Quentin team.
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Alvin Gentry delivered an inspirational message to the crowd.
“Our God loves everyone the same no matter whom or where you are. Everybody has a purpose,” Gentry said. “We want to get to know you and have fun doing it. Nobody forced us to come; we’re here because we want to be. One silly mistake shouldn’t define your whole life. This is an opportunity to help with rehabilitation so you can be productive in the outside world.”
The Warriors said they would be back next year to prove themselves after the loss.
“They deserved it today. They beat us good.” Myers said. “It gives me more motivation for next year.”
–Marcus Henderson and Nelson T. Butler contributed to this story.