Golden State Of Mind
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Steph Curry was perfect, but the Warriors’ first win was a team effort
Stephen Curry delivers a flawless performance in the Warriors’ season‑opening win, shooting 8‑for‑8 from the field, 3‑for‑3 on three‑pointers, and 5‑for‑5 at the line for 24 points in a 134‑114 victory over Denver. The perfect night – only the second of his career – comes after a quiet first half, as Curry set the tone with smart passes to rookie Alex Podziemski. Golden State’s win also features rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s career‑high 31 points and solid contributions from Podziemski (18), Gui Santos (13) and Al Horford (11). Curry’s efficiency adds to his early‑season average of 23.7 points on 52.6% shooting, underscoring the team’s balanced attack.
Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg seeks wisdom from legends as his star rises
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg ignites the Warriors with a 31‑point, 12‑rebound, 6‑assist debut against the Denver Nuggets, snapping Golden State’s 0‑3 season start. The performance earns him Summer League MVP honors, a spot on a primetime post‑game show with Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, and praise from Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green. Lendeborg now averages 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists over his first four games, joining legends like Ewing, Robinson and Shaq as one of the few to post such numbers early in a career. His historic night also makes him the Warriors' top rookie scorer since Wilt Chamberlain.
Jonathan Kuminga has first shot at revenge Wednesday
Jonathan Kuminga, now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, gets his first chance at revenge against the Golden State Warriors. After a modest 1-for-9 showing in his lone 2024 meeting with the Warriors as an Atlanta Hawk, Kuminga returns on a one‑year, $6.1 million deal, averaging 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists. With All‑Star Anthony Edwards sidelined for up to two months following knee surgery, Kuminga is expected to shoulder much of the scoring load when the Wolves face Steve Kerr’s squad. The article also notes the motivational "They didn’t want you!" tradition popularized by Klay Thompson and highlights the matchup against fellow former Warrior Yaxel Lendeborg.
Warriors vs. Nuggets player grades: Steph Curry and Yaxel Lendeborg are unstoppable, baby
The Warriors opened the 2026‑27 season with a dominant 134‑114 win over the Denver Nuggets, highlighted by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s historic performance. In just his fourth NBA game, Lendeborg posted 31 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists on 62.7% true‑shooting, becoming the fifth Warriors rookie since 2000 to record a 30‑point, 10‑rebound game and earning an A+ grade. Steph Curry contributed off the bench while Gui Santos added 13 efficient points for an A‑, and Draymond Green’s play‑making kept the offense flowing. The article grades each player and praises Lendeborg’s early impact and the team’s overall execution.
Yaxel Lendeborg shows out on national stage in Warriors’ first win
The Golden State Warriors snap their early‑season slump with a 134‑114 road victory over the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 26, 2026. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg leads the way, posting 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists while shooting 12‑for‑13 from the line. Stephen Curry contributes a flawless 24‑point, 8‑for‑8 night, and the bench steps up as Al Horford hits 11 points on perfect three‑point shooting. Denver’s DeMar DeRozan sparks a late rally, but the Warriors’ 9‑0 third‑quarter run and strong play from Brandin Podziemski (18 points, +33 plus/minus) seal the win, marking the Warriors’ first triumph of the season.
Valkyries display dominant defense, take 3-2 lead in WNBA Finals
The Golden State Valkyries clinch a 64-55 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, pushing the series to a 3-2 lead and putting them one victory from the championship in only their second season. After adjusting from earlier losses, coach Natalie Nakase’s defensive emphasis pays off: the Valkyries cut points allowed from 162 to 117 across the last two games and force 35 turnovers. Star Angel Reese is held to 15 points on 4‑of‑20 shooting, while Golden State capitalizes on a 21‑6 points‑off‑turnovers edge. Key contributors include Kiah Stokes, Veronica Burton (18 points) and Cecelia Zandalasini, whose three ended a scoring drought.
Warriors vs. Nuggets injury report: Steph Curry and Draymond Green return
The Warriors enter Game 4 against the Nikola Jokić-led Nuggets with Steph Curry and Draymond Green finally cleared from the injury list after missing the loss to Phoenix. Kristaps Porziņģis remains out with no update, while Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody stay sidelined for months. Denver lists Julian Strawther (knee), Spencer Jones (hamstrings) and Alpha Diallo (wrist/personal) as out, and Cameron Johnson is doubtful with an ankle sprain. The matchup tips off at 7 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area.
How to watch Warriors vs. Nuggets
The Warriors head to Denver on Oct. 26 for Game 4 against the Nuggets, tipping off at 7 p.m. PT on Peacock. After starting 0‑3, including a 131‑122 loss to Phoenix despite a 51‑point effort from rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and De’Anthony Melton, Golden State hopes to snap the streak with the return of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford and Brandin Podziemski. Nuggets, led by MVP Nikola Jokic, will field Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Key storylines: Curry’s bounce‑back after a quiet fourth quarter vs. Memphis and the Warriors’ need for a win to break their winless start.
Denver’s dynasty never arrived. Golden State’s is running out of time
Three years after the Nuggets’ 2023 championship, Denver’s hoped‑for dynasty is unraveling. Despite Nikola Jokić’s 27.7‑point, 12.9‑rebound, 10.7‑assist line and Jamal Murray’s playoff fire, the team has sputtered: a blown 20‑point lead in a 2024 Game 7, a loss to OKC in 2025, and a first‑round exit to Minnesota (110‑98) in 2026—its first playoff loss with both stars healthy. Coaching and front‑office turnover, plus poor roster moves (Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope) have left the supporting cast thin. Meanwhile the Warriors, the league’s last true dynasty, arrive in Denver 0‑3 and face their own injury woes, putting both West powers on a precarious edge.
Yaxel Lendeborg is delivering hope even as the Warriors stumble
Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg is already shouldering starter minutes for the Warriors, putting up 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 44.4% from three in his first three games. After a 12‑point debut in L.A., an 18‑point, 13‑rebound effort against Memphis and a 26‑point night with six threes in Phoenix, Lendeborg joins a handful of Warriors legends—Chamberlain, Durant, Barry and Thurmond—who have posted similar stat lines, though none as rookies. Coach Steve Kerr trusts him in close contests, sparking debate about his Rookie‑of‑the‑Year chances and how his impact compares to the league‑altering debut of James Wiseman in 2020. The article weighs Lendeborg’s immediate contribution against the team’s early‑season struggles.
Warriors vs. Suns player grades: Yaxel Lendeborg, De’Anthony Melton, and Charles Bassey show out
The Warriors fall 131-122 to the Suns in their third straight loss, but rookie Yaxel Ländeborg steals the spotlight with 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists on 64% true‑shooting in just his third NBA game, earning an A grade. Undrafted rookie Graham Ike posts a double‑double (12 points, 10 boards) and receives an A‑, while bench scorer Brandon Williams drops 20 points for a B rating. With Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Podziemski and Horford out, the article grades each player's performance against expectations, noting strong contributions from Will Richard (B) and a subpar showing from Gui Santos (C).
Shorthanded Warriors put up a fight in entertaining loss to Suns
The Warriors endured a grueling road trip, playing their second back‑to‑back game with a roster missing Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody, Kristaps Porziņģis, Brandin Podziemski and Al Horford. Despite the talent gap, a rookie‑heavy line‑up (Yaxel Lendeborg, Graham Ike, Will Richard, Gui Santos and Brandon Williams) kept the game close, trailing only 131‑122 in a high‑scoring loss to the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 36 points, while Lendeborg contributed 13 and De’Anthony Melton delivered the Warriors’ best stretch. The contest featured a late‑game three from Collin Gillespie that sealed the win.
How to watch Warriors vs. Suns
The Golden State Warriors face the Phoenix Suns Saturday night at 7:00 PM PT in Phoenix, with the game streaming on NBA TV and NBC Sports Bay Area. Both teams enter the matchup missing key backcourt pieces: Steph Curry and Brandin Podziemski sit out for Golden State, while the Warriors try to spark backup Brandon Williams. The Suns will rely on Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Miles Bridges. The article notes the Warriors’ recent 111‑108 loss to Memphis after a blown 12‑point lead and highlights what to watch – Williams’ expanded role and the Warriors’ need for backcourt scoring. Projected starters are listed for both squads.
Valkyries dig deep, tie series
Facing elimination, the Golden State Valkyries rally in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, beating the Atlanta Dream 67-62 at State Farm Arena. Coach Natalie Nakase’s lineup tweak—adding Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles—sparks a 12‑0 run that flips a 7‑2 deficit into a 14‑7 lead. Defensive intensity forces 14 turnovers in the first half, giving Golden State a 42-26 halftime edge. Although Atlanta claws back in the third quarter, the Valkyries hold on as Veronica Burton nails a buzzer‑beating three. The win ties the series 2-2 and restores home‑court advantage.
The Golden State doom loop?
The Golden State Warriors opened the 2026‑27 season with a 101‑89 preseason win over the Lakers, but the blog warns a looming 0‑3 start could signal a deeper decline. Citing five past 0‑3 starts, only the 2007‑08 squad recovered to a winning record, and the author argues the current roster—five players over 30 and missing key pieces like Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler—faces a “doom loop” without major moves. With back‑to‑back games in Phoenix and a tough road stretch ahead, a 0‑6 start appears likely, making the team’s future outlook grim despite occasional hope from randomness.
Brandin Podziemski out against Phoenix
The Golden State Warriors face a severe lineup shortage as guard Brandin Podziemski is ruled out for tomorrow's game against the Phoenix Suns, joining an already absent Stephen Curry. Podziemski missed the season opener with a lower‑back strain and sits out again as a precaution, despite his 18‑point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. The back‑to‑back loss of both stars leaves the Warriors' chances of securing their first win of the season in serious doubt.
Warriors vs. Grizzlies player grades: Steph Curry drops 24 points in a loss
The Warriors fall 111-108 to the Memphis Grizzlies after surrendering a 12‑point edge and a 17‑0 run in the final minutes of their home opener on Oct. 23, 2026. Stephen Curry scores 24 points but the collapse prompts a harsh grading roundup: rookie Yaxel Lendeborg earns a B+ for 18 points, 13 rebounds and solid defense; Draymond Green drops to D+ with five turnovers and a crucial moving‑screen foul; undrafted rookie Graham Ike shines in 12 minutes, scoring 10 and showing promise as a future starter. The article dissects each player's performance against the backdrop of a disappointing loss.
Steph Curry on playing in Phoenix tomorrow: ‘Probably not’
The Warriors fell to a heartbreaking loss and face a back-to-back night in Phoenix, but 38‑year‑old Stephen Curry says he will "probably" sit out tomorrow. Curry’s tentative status, announced via a tweet from Anthony Slater, reflects the team’s plan to ease him into the season and preserve his minutes. With Golden State already 0‑2 and likely heading 0‑3, the decision highlights concerns about the Warriors’ early playoff hopes.
Warriors home openers have been a house party for everyone else
The Warriors’ home openers have turned into party‑crashers for Golden State. After a 127‑105 loss in LA, the team heads to Chase Center on Oct. 23, 2026, to face the Memphis Grizzlies—a matchup that echoes past opening‑night defeats. In the Curry era (2009‑2021), the Warriors are just 8‑9 in their first home game, with notable losses to the Rockets, Clippers, Grizzlies, Spurs, and a wild 141‑122 loss to the Clippers in 2019. Highlights include Steph Curry’s debut (14‑point night), Klay Thompson’s 38‑point record in 2013, and Curry’s 45‑point burst in 2021. The article recaps each opener, showing a pattern of opponents stealing the spotlight.
How to watch Warriors vs. Grizzlies
The Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies for their home opener on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7:00 PM PT, airing on NBC Sports Bay Area. After a 127‑105 loss to the Lakers, Golden State hopes rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg (12 points, 3 rebounds in his debut) can spark a bounce‑back, especially against Grizzlies rookie big man Cam Boozer. Projected lineups feature Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Podziemski for the Warriors, and Jerami Grant, Zach Edey and Boozer for Memphis. The game will be at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Warriors vs. Grizzlies injury report: Charles Bassey out, Brandin Podziemski probable
The Warriors host the Grizzlies for their home opener, but both teams grapple with key injuries. Golden State lists center Charles Bassey (right patellar tendinopathy) out, while veteran bigs Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody remain sidelined after ACL and tendon surgeries, respectively, and Kristaps Porziņģis is not with the team. Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski is a probable, expected to debut after back soreness, offering needed playmaking beyond Steph Curry. Memphis faces its own setbacks: Cedric Coward (left wrist sprain) is doubtful and Isaiah Stewart (left ankle sprain) is questionable, potentially limiting their front‑court depth. The game tips off at 7 p.m. PT at Chase Center, with both squads hoping to secure a season‑opening win despite the roster holes.
The Luka-era Lakers showed out vs Warriors opening night
The Lakers open the season with a dominant 127-105 win over the Warriors, showcasing a new big‑three led by Luka Dončić (28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists), rookie Walker Kessler (perfect 12‑for‑12 shooting for 26 points, 9 rebounds) and Austin Reaves (23 points, 6 assists). With Golden State missing key starters and Steph Curry playing on a sprained ankle, L.A. shoots 57% and forces the Dubs to 8‑of‑36 from three. The performance signals a youthful, aggressive Lakers era now that LeBron has left, positioning them as serious West contenders.
Warriors vs. Lakers player grades: Yaxel Lendeborg and Graham Ike shine in NBA debuts
The Warriors fall 119-102 to the Lakers in their season opener, prompting a harsh grading roundup. Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg (12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 29 minutes) earns a standout grade for his scrappy defense and nonstop trash‑talk against Luka Dončić, even drawing a technical foul. Veteran Gui Santos posts a modest 12‑point, 5‑rebounds effort for a C‑, while the team collectively struggles against a fire‑powerful Lakers squad. The piece highlights Lendeborg’s entertaining debut as a bright spot amid a bleak start for Golden State.
Yaxel Lendeborg on Luka Dončić: ‘I’ve lost all respect for him’
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg sparked a heated feud with Luka Dončić in his NBA debut as the Warriors fell 123‑115 to the Lakers on Oct. 21, 2026. Guarding the Slovenian star, Lendeborg challenged Dončić’s trash talk, leading to a post‑game clash in which Lendeborg declared he “lost all respect” for the Lakers' MVP after Dončić’s 28‑point, 9‑of‑9 free‑throw performance. The bout featured a dramatic half‑court heave by Dončić and set the stage for three more Warriors‑Lakers matchups this season.
Sleep Walkers: New-look Lakers dominate sluggish Warriors in opener
The Lakers opened the 2026-27 season with a dominant 127-105 win over the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Doncic led L.A. with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while rookie Walker Kessler went perfect 12‑for‑12, tallying 10 dunks, nine rebounds and two blocks – the first 12‑shot perfect game since Wilt Chamberlain. Steph Curry scored 23 in 21 minutes before fading, and Draymond Green sat early after three fouls. The Warriors, missing five players and plagued by injuries, never recovered, and even rookie Bronny James saw just two points in seven minutes.
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