Stephen Curry made a strong start in the Warriors` preseason opener on Sunday, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes before his night concluded halfway through the second quarter. Golden State ultimately defeated the Lakers with a score of 111-103.
Curry opened his scoring account impressively just over two minutes into the game. Despite Jarred Vanderbilt (who also performed well for the Lakers) applying pressure from 30 feet out, Curry skillfully maneuvered him into a Draymond Green screen, then drove to the basket for a smooth one-legged finish, seemingly unfazed by the defense.
This specific basket is notable because, even at 37, Curry`s shooting prowess is a given. However, his continued ability to create separation against intense pressure and execute these creative finishes in the paint ensures his status as an elite scorer.
Curry ended the game shooting efficiently, converting 5 of 7 field goal attempts and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. He was clearly assertive in seeking his shots early, understanding his playing time would be restricted. His performance was exceptional.
Another standout play from his performance was an early first-quarter give-and-go with Al Horford. This sequence immediately showcased the substantial impact Horford is set to have on the Warriors, both as a passer and a vital floor-spacer.
During a transition play, Horford sprinted to the short corner. His three-point threat forced the defender (Bronny James) to guard him closely. With Draymond Green trailing and occupying Lakers center Deandre Ayton far from the hoop, the paint was left wide open. Curry capitalized by passing to Horford in the corner, then immediately cutting backdoor for an uncontested, and-one layup.
While the Warriors have had centers capable of making similar passes (like Andrew Bogut or Kevon Looney), they have never, in the Steve Kerr era, featured a starting-caliber center who demands such defensive attention as a three-point shooter.
This dynamic clearly creates new opportunities. If a traditional center like Looney, Bogut, JaVale McGee, Festus Ezeli, or Zaza Pachulia were positioned behind the three-point line, the defense would simply sag into the paint, obstructing Curry`s path. However, with Horford (as Jaxson Hayes demonstrated by not guarding him closely), he is a legitimate threat to shoot.
Horford`s shooting threat will consistently open up significant interior space, allowing Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and other Warriors` penetrators and cutters to attack the rim without opposing shot-blockers impeding their way.
Horford already appeared comfortable within Golden State`s complex system, which relies on patiently waiting for Curry to break free from a series of impromptu screens and passes. This demanding role requires both the patience to let Curry get open and the foresight to execute a pass precisely a moment before he reaches his spot. It`s not a skill every player possesses, but Horford`s intelligence and talent suggest he will master it quickly.
Furthermore, Horford`s defensive impact was also evident on Sunday. In the past, when Golden State has utilized shooting big men (such as Quentin Post or Nemanja Bjelica), it often came at a defensive cost. Similarly, playing Draymond Green at center sacrifices traditional size.
However, Horford offers the complete package: his shooting and passing abilities are complemented by his continued elite defensive capabilities. He excels both as a versatile positional defender, capable of effectively guarding on the perimeter, and as a strong rim protector. Within his initial four minutes on the court, Horford recorded an assist to Curry, a crucial steal (by disrupting an attempted pick-and-roll), and a clean blocked shot.
During his second period of play, Horford effectively cut off Vanderbilt`s drive to the basket, then emphatically turned his shot away at the rim.
NBA lineup construction frequently involves trade-offs, where a player might boost offense but weaken defense, or vice versa. Horford, however, offers no such compromise. In just 14 minutes on Sunday, he filled the stat sheet with three points, three assists, three blocks, four rebounds, and a steal, demonstrating a comprehensive contribution. He provides a full spectrum of skills, all of which were clearly on display in his Warriors debut.
