Warriors’ Damian Jones gets playing time in win at Orlando

A 25-point Warriors lead had left head coach Steve Kerr comfortable enough to play his 7-foot project for just the second time this season. After yo-yoing between the NBA club and its Development League affiliate in Santa Cruz much of the season, the rookie center was surely pleased to get some playing time at his sport's highest level. For us to open the game like that and give him an opportunity to get his feet wet, build confidence and a rhythm, it was awesome. Before Jones' cameo Sunday, a crowded frontcourt and closer-than-expected games had limited him to nine minutes of mop-up duty in a Dec. 10 loss to Memphis. Through seven D-League stints this season that have spanned 17 games, Jones is averaging 7.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 23.9 minutes.