TJD recalls his rookie season "I belong," "Welcome to NBA" moments.

Trayce Jackson-Davis' debut season with the Warriors has included overtime thrillers, winning streaks, tragedy, and short minutes. As his first season proceeds, Jackson-Davis can reflect on which situations shaped him most.

On Friday, 95.7 The Game's “Willard and Dibs” interviewed the 24-year-old about realizing he belonged in the NBA and confronting top-tier talent. "I think the first time we played the Celtics was my 'I belong' moment," Jackson-Davis told Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. "Going in and impacting the game and closing it. I believe they have the best NBA record.

“Blocking Jaylen Brown, dunk in overtime, and tipping the pass to Chris Paul for Steph to hit that rainbow three. I thought, ‘If you play hard, then you surely have a chance.’” In 29 minutes, Jackson-Davis scored 10 points and grabbed 13 boards (four offensive) to win 132-126 in overtime.

Jackson-Davis has played 18.8 minutes per game in Golden State's previous four games, becoming an important player for Steve Kerr. The Indiana product has adjusted swiftly to the NBA but has had humbling times.

My ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment was playing Luka Dončić," Jackson-Davis told Willard and Dibley. However, I always wanted to play against LeBron James. Experience playing LeBron at Chase Center. That seemed surreal.”

Both James and Dončić, two of the league's top players, defeated Jackson-Davis in the Warriors' first 2023-24 NBA season matches against the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.

In a double-overtime thriller against Los Angeles at home on Jan. 27, James scored 36 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists, likely impressing Jackson-Davis. Jackson-Davis is refining his game while helping Golden State make a postseason run in a crowded Western Conference with other young Warriors like Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody.

After 49 games, Jackson-Davis is as comfortable as ever, helping the Warriors win 14 of 20. "At the start of the year, things moved quickly," Jackson-Davis told Willard and Dibley. I was trying to slow down throughout the game. After entering, I feel like I belong. The coaches effectively develop me and prepare me for success. I just keep working and let God handle the rest.”

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