Imposing Young Talent Shines in Preseason Victory against Lakers – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

In the preseason of basketball, young players strive to make a name for themselves while others compete for spots at the back end of the roster. However, the focus shifted to a 38-year-old point guard during Saturday’s opener between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Chris Paul made his debut in a Warriors jersey to a warm welcome from fans, and he wasted no time showing what he brings to the table. In just 13 minutes of play in the first half, Paul impressed with six points, five assists, and four rebounds.

Joining Paul in the starting lineup were Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney. Curry and Thompson combined for 18 points in just 13 minutes of playing time. Thompson’s emphasis on rebounding paid off with four rebounds, matching his average from last season.

The Lakers were missing LeBron James and Austin Reaves for the game.

Here are three key takeaways from the Warriors’ preseason opener:

CP3’s Impressive Debut

Chris Paul wasted no time making an impact on the Warriors’ offense. His first shot attempt was a signature mid-range jumper that scored two points. He followed that up with an assist to Curry for a fastbreak 3-pointer. Paul’s five assists led to 13 points for the Warriors, with three resulting in 3-pointers made by Curry.

While Paul’s role may change once the Warriors are fully healthy, his chemistry with Curry was evident on the court. The extra work they put in during practice translated to a reliable performance.

A Promising Podziemski

Concerns surrounded the Warriors’ first-round draft pick, but Podziemski eased those worries with an impressive preseason debut. Steve Kerr praised his feel for the game, and Podziemski showcased his skills with four points, one steal, one assist, one rebound, and even taking a charge in the first quarter. He ended the game with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.

This strong showing from Podziemski should alleviate any doubts following his up-and-down summer league performance.

A Solid Second Unit

With Draymond Green recovering from an ankle injury and Paul in the starting lineup, Kerr implemented a set rotation for the first two quarters. The second unit, consisting of Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Dario Šarić, and Gary Payton II, showed great connectivity on the court. Kuminga led the team with 24 points, while Moody contributed 15 points. Together, they grabbed 13 rebounds.

From veterans to young players, the Warriors had plenty of positive aspects in their preseason victory.

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