Although we have yet to witness the Golden State Warriors at their full capacity, they displayed promising cohesiveness during their game in Las Vegas on Tuesday, ahead of next week’s season opener. Despite being without Brandin Podziemski (who suffered a broken nose in Sunday’s victory against the Detroit Pistons) and De’Anthony Melton (who sat out due to back tightness), the Warriors welcomed back Steph Curry and Draymond Green (both absent on Sunday) and saw Andrew Wiggins make his preseason debut. This was more than sufficient for them to overcome a Lakers squad rich in star power, featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Dubs kicked off the game with an intriguing lineup. Head coach Steve Kerr had previously expressed his reluctance to utilize Jonathan Kuminga as a small forward, preferring him as a small-ball four. However, he made a complete pivot for this matchup. Kuminga not only started as the small forward alongside Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis in the frontcourt, but Wiggins, typically the small forward, transitioned to the two-guard position next to Curry.
This sizeable lineup is expected to thrive only if Kuminga and Wiggins can excel with their three-point shooting or push the pace in transition. While they struggled with the former, Kuminga showcased his speed in transition. He took charge offensively early on, leading the Warriors down the court and repeatedly outpacing Davis in halfcourt sets, scoring eight points with 4-for-5 shooting in the first quarter.
The game began with a lively back-and-forth exchange. The Warriors produced thrilling offensive plays, but their defense — with Jackson-Davis guarding Davis, Green against James, Kuminga on Rui Hachimura, Wiggins on Austin Reaves, and Curry matched up with D’Angelo Russell — struggled to prevent the Lakers from driving to the basket repeatedly. Nonetheless, the enthusiastic Las Vegas crowd enjoyed the fast pace and controlled, frenetic action.
As the teams turned to their benches (Kerr substituted Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, and Kevon Looney to join Curry and Green), the game’s tempo slowed considerably. Yet, the bench performed admirably: even when new Lakers coach JJ Redick reintroduced James and Davis late in the quarter, Kerr opted for an all-bench lineup of Payton, Hield, Looney, Moses Moody, and Kyle Anderson. They held their ground, and a three-pointer from Moody near the end of the quarter gave the Warriors a 31-28 lead.
The second quarter resumed with the Warriors continuing their momentum, starting with a 9-3 run fueled by an active Moody. Eventually, as the pace of the game took a hit, both teams became overly reliant on three-point attempts without much success (Golden State finished the night shooting 14-for-45 from beyond the arc, while Los Angeles managed a dismal 11-for-40).
However, the Warriors discovered a competitive edge through hustle. Their determination translated into a 10-point advantage with less than three minutes left in the half. A buzzer-beating three from Curry, which swished through the net with under two seconds remaining, established a halftime score of 58-51 in favor of Golden State.
For the first time this preseason, the Warriors opted to keep their starters on the court at the beginning of the second half. Back-to-back three-pointers by their former teammate Russell narrowed the Lakers’ deficit to three, but the Warriors countered with a 7-0 run that restored their double-digit lead after just over four minutes, prompting Redick to call a timeout. The back-and-forth continued: following Golden State’s 11-point lead, the Lakers answered with a six-point streak, before the Warriors regrouped with a timeout and responded strongly.
As they built their advantage back toward doubleDigits, the Dubs executed a perfectly timed two-for-one to end the third quarter: Anderson floated in a shot, they secured a stop, and a well-executed two-man play between Moody and Looney resulted in a mid-range jumper for Moody. By the end of the third, Golden State led 83-70 as they entered the final quarter.
There would be no repeat of the antics from last season in the fourth quarter. The Warriors struck first, scoring the first five points and extending their lead to 18, maintaining that margin for much of the period. Curry and Green played significant minutes as they geared up for regular-season action, but the highlight of the quarter came three minutes in when Bronny James entered the game, eliciting cheers from an excited Las Vegas audience.
Golden State maintained a comfortable lead over Los Angeles, which remained intact until the final buzzer, resulting in a 111-97 victory for the Warriors. They remain undefeated this preseason, boasting a perfect record of 5-0.
Moody once again led the Warriors with an outstanding performance, contributing 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including 5-for-7 from three, while also demonstrating hustle and solid defense, achieving a +18 plus/minus, second only to Anderson’s +22. Curry added 16 points (albeit on 18 shots), along with five rebounds and six assists, while Green recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Curry also provided a light-hearted moment during the night with a notably poor dunk attempt.
Kuminga had some defensive missteps, but his athleticism and effectiveness in transition were instrumental, as he finished with 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting, along with six rebounds and three assists.
Wiggins appeared somewhat out of sync, which was expected, as he struggled to find his shooting touch … he scored 11 points on 3-for-9 shooting, with all his successful attempts coming from uncontested layups and dunks; he missed all his jump shots. However, he successfully reached the free-throw line, converting all five attempts. Most importantly, he exhibited notable athleticism and explosiveness, a quality that was noticeably lacking for much of the previous season.
Despite shooting just 31.1% from three-point range, the Warriors excelled with 33 assists and only 14 turnovers, while also out-rebounding the Lakers.
The Dubs will aim to conclude their perfect preseason on Friday as they host the Lakers for both teams’ preseason finale. That game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN2.
Then, it will be time for the regular season!
Warriors Showcase Depth and Resilience in Preseason Victory over Lakers
Overview of the Game
The Golden State Warriors displayed remarkable depth and resilience in their recent preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The match, held at the Chase Center, saw the Warriors triumph with a final score of 105-95, highlighting their strong roster and strategic gameplay. Fans were treated to impressive performances from both veterans and newcomers, signaling a promising season ahead.
Key Performers
Several players stood out during the matchup, providing a glimpse into the Warriors’ potential for the upcoming NBA season. Here’s a breakdown of the top performers:
- Stephen Curry: The star guard led the team with 24 points, including four three-pointers, showcasing his shooting prowess.
- Draymond Green: Not only contributing defensively with seven rebounds, but Green also added 10 assists, emphasizing his playmaking abilities.
- Klay Thompson: Although he scored only 15 points, Thompson’s presence on the floor opened up opportunities for his teammates.
- Jordan Poole: The young guard provided a spark off the bench, scoring 18 points, including crucial baskets during the game’s critical moments.
Game Highlights
The matchup was filled with exciting moments that showcased the Warriors’ depth:
First Half Dominance
The Warriors jumped to an early lead, outscoring the Lakers 58-45 in the first half. Their aggressive defense and fast-paced offense set the tone for the game.
Second Half Resilience
Despite a strong push from the Lakers, who closed the gap to within five points in the third quarter, the Warriors responded with a 15-2 run that secured their lead. This resilience demonstrates the team’s ability to handle pressure and maintain composure.
Bench Contributions
The Warriors’ bench played a crucial role, combining for 40 points. This depth is vital for the team, especially as they look to manage player fatigue throughout a long season.
Strategic Insights
The Warriors utilized several strategies that proved effective during the game:
Ball Movement
The Warriors emphasized ball movement, recording 30 assists throughout the game. Quick passes and positional awareness allowed them to find open shots and exploit defensive mismatches.
Defensive Adjustments
Defensively, the Warriors employed a mix of zone and man-to-man defense, effectively contesting shots and limiting the Lakers’ scoring opportunities.
Three-Point Shooting
Three-point shooting remains a cornerstone of the Warriors’ strategy. The team made 14 of 36 attempts from beyond the arc, with Curry and Poole leading the charge.
Benefits of Team Depth
The depth of the Warriors’ roster provides several advantages:
- Injury Management: Having multiple capable players reduces the impact of injuries to key starters, allowing the team to remain competitive.
- Matchup Flexibility: A deep bench enables the coaching staff to adjust lineups based on opponent strengths and weaknesses.
- Increased Energy Levels: Fresh legs from the bench can maintain the team’s intensity throughout the game.
Case Studies: Previous Preseason Performances
Looking back at previous preseason games, the Warriors have consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt and evolve:
| Year | Opponent | Result | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Los Angeles Lakers | W 114-103 | Curry, Green |
| 2021 | Brooklyn Nets | L 108-100 | Wiggins, Thompson |
| 2022 | Memphis Grizzlies | W 122-107 | Jordan Poole |
| 2023 | Los Angeles Lakers | W 105-95 | Curry, Green, Poole |
First-Hand Experiences from Players
After the game, players shared their insights on the team’s performance:
Stephen Curry
Curry emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “Our depth is going to be our strength this season. Everyone knows their role, and we saw that tonight.”
Draymond Green
Green highlighted the defensive efforts, saying, “We communicated well on defense, and that’s what kept us ahead. If we can maintain this energy, we’ll be tough to beat.”
Jordan Poole
Poole expressed excitement about the contributions from the bench, noting, “It’s great to have such a talented roster. It allows us to play freely and keep our pace up.”
Looking Ahead: What This Victory Means
This preseason victory against the Lakers is more than just a win on the scoreboard; it offers several implications for the Warriors as they prepare for the regular season:
- Building Chemistry: The preseason is crucial for building chemistry, and the smooth ball movement and defensive rotations indicate that the team is developing well.
- Confidence Boost: Winning against a strong opponent like the Lakers boosts team morale and confidence heading into the regular season.
- Establishing a Winning Culture: Consistent wins in the preseason help to instill a culture of winning that the Warriors have built over the years.
Practical Tips for Fans
For fans looking to engage with the Warriors this season, consider the following tips:
- Follow Social Media: Stay updated by following the Warriors on their social media channels for highlights, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Attend Games: Experience the energy of the Chase Center by attending games, where you can witness the depth and resilience of the team live.
- Participate in Fan Events: Join fan events and meet-ups to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share your passion for the Warriors.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors’ preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers highlighted the team’s depth and resilience. With key performers stepping up and a strong showing from the bench, the Warriors are poised for a successful season. As they continue to build chemistry and refine their strategies, fans can look forward to what promises to be an exciting NBA season ahead.
