Title: Chris Paul Shines in Warriors’ Preseason Opener Against Lakers
Subtitle: Warriors’ New Additions and Young Players Impress in Victory
San Francisco – The Golden State Warriors kicked off their preseason with an impressive 125-108 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. While preseason games often highlight young players and roster battles, all eyes were on 38-year-old point guard Chris Paul as he made his debut in a Warriors jersey.
Paul received a warm welcome from Warriors fans and wasted no time showcasing his skills. Despite playing only 13 minutes in the first half, Paul made an immediate impact on the court, recording six points, five assists, and four rebounds. With his pass-first mentality, Paul’s presence is set to significantly enhance the Warriors’ offense this season.
Joining Paul in the starting lineup were Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney. Curry and Thompson combined for 18 points in their limited playing time, displaying their familiar scoring prowess. Thompson, in particular, emphasized his focus on rebounding, grabbing four boards, consistent with his average from last season.
Unfortunately, the Lakers were missing LeBron James and Austin Reaves, hampering their performance on the court.
Here are three key takeaways from the Warriors’ preseason opener:
1. CP3’s Debut:
Chris Paul wasted no time establishing his presence, showcasing his signature mid-range jump shot and distributing five assists that accounted for 13 Warriors points. While his role may change once the team is fully healthy, Paul’s partnership with Curry was evident, providing stability when Curry is off the court.
2. A Better Podz:
Concerns surrounded the Warriors’ first-round draft pick, with an underwhelming summer league performance. However, in his preseason debut, Podziemski proved his worth, contributing 11 points along with five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. His ability to connect lineups and his versatility will make him a valuable asset for the team.
3. Strong Second Unit:
With Draymond Green recovering from an ankle sprain and Paul in the starting lineup, Warriors coach Steve Kerr unveiled a rotation that featured a strong second unit. The group, consisting of Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Dario Šarić, and Gary Payton II, demonstrated excellent chemistry on the court. Kuminga, in particular, led the team with 24 points, while Moody added 15 points and showcased his rebounding skills.
The Warriors’ preseason victory showed promise for both their new additions and young players. With the return of key players and continued development, the team is poised for exciting prospects in the upcoming season.