The Bay Area crew, quiet through much of the offseason, flipped the script just hours before media day with four bold moves. Jonathan Kuminga, whose future at Golden State seemed uncertain, inked a two-year extension. Veteran big Al Horford joined the fold to add size and experience. The Warriors also brought back De’Anthony Melton, their trusted 3-and-D guard, and, perhaps the most exciting twist, Seth Curry, Steph’s sharpshooting brother, signed on to reunite with the squad. Those moves alone sent Dub Nation into overdrive.
Meanwhile, the Lakers had their own storylines brewing. LeBron James enters his record-breaking 23rd season, his future still uncertain. Luka Doncic, now donning purple and gold, is ready to prove his worth. Add in DeAndre Ayton’s arrival and Bronny’s second-year development, and there’s no shortage of intrigue in LA.
But on this night, both LeBron and Luka sat out, saving the spectacle for later. The Warriors, though, went all in. Steve Kerr, ever the tactician, surprised fans again by opting for a small-ball starting five despite a stacked frontcourt featuring Trayce Jackson-Davis, Quentin Post, and Horford. The starters: Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Stephen Curry.
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And just like that — showtime.
Even without the star power on the opposing end, the Dubs turned the night into an exhibition of chemistry and precision, cruising past the Lakers 111–103. Curry and Green’s telepathic connection was as sharp as ever. Butler brought his signature grit and flair, while Kuminga and Moody showed growth and confidence. Yet, the night’s biggest surprise came in the form of a new duo — the Al–Curry combo.
In the second quarter, Curry brought the ball up, dished it to Horford at the wing, and darted into the paint. The veteran big man read it instantly, a slick give-and-go. Steph took the bump, finished through contact, and turned it into a smooth And-1. It was basketball poetry, the kind of sequence that sparks imagination.
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Moments like that are what make the Warriors must-watch television. And with two more clashes against the Lakers coming up, one more preseason matchup and a marquee opening night showdown — it’s safe to say the NBA season is already heating up.
So buckle up, Dub Nation — the splash is back.