Just hours before the Golden State Warriors were set to play their preseason finale, they encountered a significant hurdle: Steph Curry was ruled out due to a sprained finger. However, this challenge was largely mitigated by an advantage provided by the Los Angeles Lakers: they were deploying their C-Team.
With the Lakers facing the end of a back-to-back (which, if you ask me, should be banned during the preseason), they decided to rest all five starters. Golden State’s starting lineup featured the same group that triumphed over the Lakers on Tuesday, albeit with De’Anthony Melton stepping in for Curry. In contrast, the Lakers fielded a lineup of players primarily vying for a spot on the team: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Quincy Olivari, Bronny James, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes.
As anticipated, the outcome was a lopsided affair.
Golden State came out strong and dynamic, spearheaded by Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, who attacked the basket relentlessly through transition plays, dribble penetration, and half-court cuts. Draymond Green was reminiscent of an elite quarterback, dishing out five assists within the first five minutes. Melton effectively stifled the Lakers’ offense, allowing Trayce Jackson-Davis to excel on the offensive end as the Warriors surged ahead. As substitutions occurred, Golden State embarked on a 13-0 run, establishing a 29-12 lead with three minutes remaining in the quarter, and the game never came close after that.
While one must view a performance against such a rookie-heavy lineup with skepticism, it’s noteworthy that the Warriors concluded the first quarter with an impressive 13 assists compared to just one turnover against a scrappy Lakers squad eager to prove their worth. The offense was not only fast-paced but also disciplined, intelligent, and well-controlled. Most significantly, Golden State led 36-18 at the end of the first frame.
The same trend continued into the second quarter. The ball movement was exceptional, and Moses Moody maintained his impressive preseason form with outstanding offensive play, while Melton excelled defensively. As the half progressed, the Warriors’ offense began to stagnate a bit, prompting them to become trigger-happy from beyond the arc. They completed the half with “only” 21 assists against five turnovers, holding a commanding 66-40 lead.
Steve Kerr didn’t allow Curry’s absence to deter him from giving significant minutes to most of his rotation players. Moody took Green’s place in the starting lineup for the second half, but the other four remained unchanged. The Warriors showed no mercy to the struggling Lakers, sustaining their momentum throughout the quarter and pushing the lead to 104-62. The only glimmer of hope for the Lakers came from rookie James, who managed to excite the Warriors’ crowd with impressive performances in the third quarter, marking the best game of his young career.
A highlight moment occurred between quarters when former Warriors general manager Bob Myers served as the color analyst and sideline reporter. During an interview with Kerr between the third and fourth quarters, it was evident that there remains a strong bond between Myers and the Warriors. They exchanged playful banter, with Curry joining in; Myers jokingly claimed that Kerr has become a better coach since his departure, while Kerr retorted that Mike Dunleavy Jr. is doing an excellent job with the current roster. Curry humorously remarked that he was experiencing PTSD from meetings with Myers before retreating to the bench, with hugs and laughter accompanying the exchange.
With the victory firmly in hand, the Warriors cruised to the finish, keeping their rotation players on the floor for much of the fourth quarter while continuing to play intensely. When the game concluded, the scoreboard read a staggering 132-74 victory, concluding a perfect 6-0 preseason.
Despite playing only 19 minutes, Kuminga led the Warriors with 17 points (along with four rebounds), shooting 7-for-11 from the field. Wiggins, who appeared much sharper compared to his preseason debut on Tuesday, finished with 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting, along with three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. TJD contributed 12 points on 6-for-9 shooting, adding five assists and four blocks, while Melton mimicked Curry’s style with a flawless 4-for-4 shooting performance and five assists.
Brandin Podziemski had a quintessential game, scoring 16 points (though not on the most efficient shooting) with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and several notable hustle plays, concluding with a game-high +39 in just 21 minutes. Moody and Buddy Hield each added 14 points and four rebounds, shooting 5-for-9, with Hield contributing four assists. Rookie Quinten Post played the final seven minutes, showcasing his pick-and-pop ability by making all three of his shots, including two three-pointers.
Next up: the real deal.
Warriors Dominate Lakers’ C-Team in Preseason Finale, Securing Perfect 6-0 Record
Game Overview
In a thrilling preseason finale, the Golden State Warriors showcased their dominance against the Los Angeles Lakers’ C-Team, achieving a perfect 6-0 record. This game not only highlighted the Warriors’ impressive depth but also provided valuable insights into their strategies as they gear up for the regular season.
Key Players and Performances
The game saw standout performances from several Warriors players who are expected to play crucial roles throughout the upcoming season. Notable highlights include:
- Stephen Curry: As always, Curry led the scoring with 28 points, displaying his renowned shooting prowess.
- Jordan Poole: Poole contributed significantly off the bench, adding 18 points and 5 assists, showcasing his potential as a reliable sixth man.
- Draymond Green: Green’s defensive skills were on full display, racking up 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while orchestrating the team’s offense.
Lakers’ C-Team Struggles
The Lakers fielded a mix of young talent and veteran players, but their C-Team struggled to keep up with the Warriors’ fast-paced play. Key takeaways from the Lakers’ performance include:
- Inconsistent Shooting: The Lakers shot a mere 38% from the field, hampering their ability to compete effectively.
- Defensive Lapses: The Lakers struggled on the defensive end, allowing the Warriors to exploit mismatches.
- Emerging Talent: Despite the loss, players like Austin Reaves showed flashes of potential, contributing 15 points.
Game Statistics
Below is a summary of the key statistics from the game:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 112 | 45 | 24 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 98 | 38 | 20 |
Key Strategies from the Warriors
The Warriors implemented several strategic elements that contributed to their victory:
Fast-Paced Offense
The Warriors’ fast-paced gameplay allowed them to capitalize on the Lakers’ sluggish defense. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to offense was a significant factor in their triumph.
Three-Point Shooting
Golden State’s emphasis on the three-point shot proved effective, with Curry and Poole hitting multiple shots beyond the arc. The team finished the game with a 42% shooting percentage from three-point range.
Defensive Pressure
Defensively, the Warriors applied pressure that forced the Lakers into tough shots. Their ability to contest shots and secure rebounds allowed them to control the game’s tempo.
Benefits of the Warriors’ Preseason Success
The Warriors’ perfect preseason record bodes well for their confidence leading into the regular season. Some benefits include:
- Team Chemistry: A flawless preseason helps foster strong chemistry among players, crucial for success in high-pressure situations.
- Momentum: Entering the season with a 6-0 record provides motivation and momentum, enhancing team morale.
- Identifying Roles: The preseason allows coaching staff to identify player roles and rotations effectively, optimizing the lineup going forward.
Practical Tips for Fans to Enjoy the Regular Season
As the regular season approaches, fans can enhance their viewing experience by following these tips:
- Stay Updated: Follow team news and player performance updates through official social media channels and sports news outlets.
- Engage with the Community: Join fan forums or local watch parties to share experiences and discuss games with other enthusiasts.
- Plan Game Days: Set aside specific days for watching games and engage in game-day traditions to enhance the experience.
First-Hand Experience: Attending the Game
For fans who had the opportunity to attend the preseason finale, the atmosphere was electric. The energy in the arena was palpable, with fans cheering loudly for their teams. Here’s what a few attendees had to say:
“Watching Curry sink those three-pointers live was an unforgettable experience! The energy in the crowd made every shot feel like a celebration!” – Jane, Warriors Fan
“Despite the Lakers losing, it was amazing to see the young talent play. I have high hopes for the season!” – Mark, Lakers Supporter
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the 2023-2024 Season
The Warriors’ successful preseason is a strong indicator of their readiness for the upcoming season. With a talented roster and a clear understanding of their strategies, they are poised to make a deep playoff run. Key considerations for the regular season include:
- Injury Management: Managing player health and fitness will be crucial, especially for veteran players like Curry and Green.
- Defensive Improvements: Continuing to build on their defensive strategies will be vital to counteract stronger opponents.
- Consistency: Maintaining consistency in scoring and defense throughout the season will determine their success.
Conclusion
With an unblemished 6-0 preseason record and a display of impressive talent against the Lakers’ C-Team, the Golden State Warriors have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2023-2024 NBA season. The foundation laid during the preseason, coupled with key performances, suggests that the Warriors are more than ready to compete at the highest level.
