The Golden State Warriors wrapped up their Tuesday night clash against the Portland Trail Blazers with a convincing 118-111 victory, and if this performance was any indication, they’re starting to find a groove heading into the regular season. Playing in front of a hostile road crowd at the Moda Center, the Warriors showcased exactly what makes them dangerous when everything clicks.
Stephen Curry reminded everyone that age is just a number. The 37-year-old superstar put on a vintage performance, dropping 28 points in just 27 minutes on the floor. What stood out wasn’t just the four three-pointers he drained or the smooth offensive flow he orchestrated — it was the fact that he actually got to the free-throw line. Curry went 12-for-13 from the charity stripe, including nine attempts in the first half alone, which had Warriors fans celebrating on social media. For a player who historically doesn’t draw enough foul calls despite his relentless drives to the basket, this was a welcome sight. His usage was the highest of any preseason game this year, and he looked every bit like the two-time MVP who still has plenty left in the tank.
But this game wasn’t just about Curry. The Warriors got significant contributions from some unexpected places, particularly from their younger players who are fighting for rotation spots. Rookie Will Richard, the 56th pick in the draft, earned his first start of the preseason and didn’t disappoint. Playing 29 minutes alongside Curry and other veterans, Richard finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and three made three-pointers while posting a plus-10 rating. What’s impressive is that this was Richard’s first time practicing with the starting unit, yet he looked completely comfortable in the flow of the offense.
Will really knows how to play, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after the game. He’s in the right spots all the time. He’s active defensively. He sees the game well. Knocked down his threes tonight. We’re really excited about him. Kerr went even further, expressing confidence that he wouldn’t hesitate to put Richard on the floor during the regular season, which is high praise for a second-round pick.
The big man rotation also showed promising signs. Quinten Post, the 25-year-old seven-footer in his second season, has been quietly turning heads throughout the preseason. Against Portland, Post poured in 16 points and grabbed five rebounds in just under 20 minutes off the bench, knocking down three triples and finishing with a team-high plus-16 rating. His ability to stretch the floor with his 40.8% three-point shooting from his rookie year makes him a valuable weapon, especially when playing alongside Curry and Jimmy Butler. The chemistry Post showed with Curry was particularly eye-catching, including a beautiful through-the-legs assist that resulted in a Curry triple.
Trayce Jackson-Davis provided exactly what the Warriors needed in the second half — rebounding and energy. The third-year big man grabbed 10 rebounds, all in the second half, including four offensive boards that gave Golden State crucial second-chance opportunities. He also chipped in seven points and three assists, making a strong case for regular rotation minutes despite his offensive limitations.
The game wasn’t without its drama. Jonathan Kuminga was ejected just before halftime after making contact with referee Rodney Mott following what he believed was a missed foul call on a drive to the basket. Kuminga, who had seven points, six rebounds, and four assists at the time of his ejection, clapped in Mott’s face and continued pursuing the official, which led to an immediate technical foul and ejection. The NBA later fined him $35,000 for the incident.
The Warriors improved to 3-1 in the preseason with the victory, demonstrating solid depth and versatility. Eleven different Warriors scored in the game, and the team shot 42.5% from the field and 36% from three-point range while getting to the free-throw line 33 times. That kind of balanced attack, combined with the defensive activity that generated turnovers and transition opportunities, is exactly what this veteran-laden roster needs to compete in a loaded Western Conference.
Here’s the thing, folks: With Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Moses Moody sitting out, younger players like Richard, Post, and Jackson-Davis seized their opportunities to prove they belong in Steve Kerr’s rotation. The Warriors have been experimenting with different lineup combinations throughout the preseason, and Tuesday’s game provided valuable look at who can contribute when the stars need rest during the long 82-game grind.
With that… As the Warriors prepare for one final preseason matchup against the Clippers on Friday before the regular season opener against the Lakers on October 21, the confidence is building. Curry looks sharp, the young players are stepping up, and the team chemistry appears to be forming faster than expected. If Tuesday night was any indication, Golden State might have more tricks up their sleeve than people expected heading into this season.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!