San Francisco – The Warriors are the only team in the NBA to finish the preseason undefeated. While it wasn’t a set goal for the team, the strong performance reflects a productive offseason, especially with options in the backcourt. Klay Thompson departed for the Dallas Mavericks, but the additions of veterans Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson have significantly bolstered the roster.
Moses Moody has returned in top form, and of course, there’s Stephen Curry. Curry sat out the preseason finale due to a sprained finger, which he injured in practice yesterday. This is the same finger he hurt during last Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors crushed the Lakers 100-75, with Jonathan Kuminga leading the way with 17 points and Brandon Podziemski adding 16.
“Well, Steph is out,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr pregame. “Steph won’t play tonight, he sprained his finger in practice yesterday. We’ll hold him out, he’ll be ready for Portland. Same one (finger). Not serious, just precautionary. We’ll start Melt (De’Anthony Melton) in his place.”
The last time the Warriors went undefeated in the preseason, they won the NBA title. In 2022, San Francisco went 5-0 in exhibition games and later captured the championship by defeating the Boston Celtics. Could history repeat itself this year? While nothing is guaranteed, the energy surrounding this team—and the depth of talent on the roster—certainly makes it a possibility.
“I like winning so that part has been good,” Kerr said. “I like that we played fast last game and that’s what I’m looking for, particularly from Wiggs (Andrew Wiggins), JK (Jonathan Kuminga), and Trayce (Jackson-Davis). When those guys run the floor hard both ways we’re a different team. That’s what I’m looking for. We’ve done a good job so far in camp of adding some new things, getting a little more organized offensively, and working on different things. I like where we are but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.”
“We feel good. We have been scoring the ball pretty well throughout the six games, really just focusing on transition offense and defense,” said Podziemski. “I think what separated us from this year to last year is that we are playing through principles instead of plays. I think that we just try to get to our five spots and create the most space, whether it is in transition or in half court. We don’t have to call many plays besides the ATOs (after time outs). I think we are playing through principles rather than plays and I think that it has helped us.”
Curry received the Kia Clutch Player of the Year award, named after Jerry West. He was presented with the award before tipoff by West’s son, Jonnie, the Warriors’ Director of Pro Personnel. This award honors the player who consistently delivers for their team in critical moments during the regular season.
Photo by Warriors/Twitter
