Pat Spencer’s journey from a record-breaking college lacrosse star to an NBA player with the Golden State Warriors is the kind that grabs sports lovers’ attention. Earlier today, during a heated playoff game against the Houston Rockets, Spencer made headlines. The Warriors were in Houston, facing the Rockets in Game 5 of the Western Conference’s first round.
The Rockets were dominating, up by a wide margin, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr had pulled his starters by the third quarter. Spencer, now a reserve guard for Golden State, was on the floor with the second unit, trying to make something happen. And for a while, he did. He helped lead a push that made the final score 131-116 look closer than the game really was.
From Lacrosse Legend to Basketball Dreamer: Pat Spencer’s Story
Then, things got messy. Midway through the fourth quarter, a scuffle broke out. It started when Spencer shoved Rockets forward Dillon Brooks while battling for a rebound. As Spencer walked away, Houston’s All-Star center Alperen Sengun bumped him.
Before teammate Trayce Jackson-Davis could step in, Spencer turned and headbutted Sengun. The refs didn’t hesitate — Spencer was hit with a technical foul and ejected for an illegal headbutt.
Pat Spencer still one of the great stories in the NBA.
Former No. 1 lacrosse player in the country, gave up the sport, transferred to Northwestern and has worked his way into being an NBA player.
Tough, tough guy who got the Warriors back in this one before getting kicked out…
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 1, 2025
Let’s rewind a bit for those who might not know Spencer’s story. He was born on July 4, 1996. Patrick Andrew Spencer first made his mark as a lacrosse player at Loyola University Maryland. He wasn’t just good; he was the best.
By the time he completed his senior year in 2019, he had held the college lacrosse record for career assists, with 231, and the Patriot League record for career points, with 380. He walked away with the Lt. Raymond Enners Award as the USILA national player of the year and the Jack Turnbull Award as the nation’s top attackman. Undoubtedly, he was a legend in the lacrosse world.
Growing up, he played both basketball and lacrosse, and he often capitalized on the fact that the two weren’t so different. “Basketball and lacrosse are very similar, in terms of facing and trying to draw a guy and find your open teammates,” as he explained in an interview.
So, after graduating from Loyola, he made a bold move. He used his final year of college eligibility to play basketball at Northwestern University, trading his lacrosse stick for a basketball full-time.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
The Warriors are headed back to the Bay Area for Game 6 against the Rockets on May 2, 2025, at Chase Center. They’ll need all hands on deck to extend the series, and Spencer’s energy off the bench could be a factor if he keeps his cool.
KEEP READING: 2-Round 2025 NBA Mock Draft
His role might be smaller if the Warriors’ stars are healthy to compete, but he has already shown he can make an immediate impact when called upon; the headbutt incident might earn him a fine.
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