While preseason results don’t officially count, Melbet App Download believes these games carry significant meaning. They allow starters to fine-tune their fitness and chemistry while giving young players a chance to prove themselves. Lower expectations and fewer dependencies often lead to surprising growth. Right now, the Golden State Warriors are balancing a veteran-led squad with a youth movement. Although the core champions remain solid, the Warriors need fresh faces to step up and carry the torch forward.
This strategy not only relieves pressure from aging stars but also prepares for the future. In the first preseason game, with Draymond Green sidelined by injury, the Warriors experimented with a new starting lineup. Only Kevon Looney served as a true big man, with Andrew Wiggins sliding into the power forward spot, alongside Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Chris Paul. The biggest adjustment was inserting Chris Paul into the starting five, effectively deploying a small-ball lineup to kick things off. Throughout the game, the Warriors stayed in control. Even though the preseason record doesn’t impact the regular season, the players hustled for the home crowd and secured a satisfying win.
Beyond the victory, there were other encouraging signs. Veteran Chris Paul showed he could seamlessly fit into the Warriors’ tactical system. A few years ago, it would have been unimaginable to see Paul in a Warriors jersey, given the heated playoff battles he had with Golden State while on the Rockets and Clippers. Still, that was all just business — no real bad blood lingered. Don’t let your mood defeat your life. This summer, the Warriors’ decision to acquire Paul wasn’t just about valuing his skills and experience. They also needed to urgently move on from Jordan Poole, whose new contract had just kicked in. Including picks and young players in the deal, Golden State opted for stability.
Initially, the Warriors envisioned Paul as a second-unit floor general to maintain control when Curry rested. But with Green’s injury, they decided to use preseason as a trial period. In many ways, Paul acts like a miniature version of Draymond Green — orchestrating offense and setting up teammates. Despite his smaller frame, Paul’s sturdy base and crafty veteran moves make him a highly effective defender, too. According to Melbet App Download stats, Paul played just 12 minutes in this game but looked completely comfortable, efficiently managing the Warriors’ offense.
Curry, meanwhile, continued his signature off-ball movement, showcasing his elite ability to score without dominating possession. With both Curry and Paul starting, Klay Thompson shifted up to the small forward spot, a role he’s well equipped for thanks to his size and defensive prowess. Although Thompson’s shooting touch was a bit cold, he still shined defensively, even forcing a turnover against Rui Hachimura.
The standout, however, was former No. 7 overall pick Jonathan Kuminga, who delivered arguably the best performance of the night. If Kuminga can maintain this level, he may soon earn a major promotion. Kuminga was once touted as a Kawhi Leonard-type prospect during his draft year but surprisingly slid to the Warriors at seventh overall. Although he tasted early success by winning a championship as a rookie — luck many players dream of — his first two seasons mostly saw him coming off the bench. All human frustration stems from anger at one’s own limitations. Despite his flaws, Kuminga’s potential clearly outweighs his shortcomings, and now he seems poised for a breakout.