The entire event had a high school graduation vibe. However, the Golden State Warriors received championship rings with 16 carats of yellow and white diamonds instead of a 16-cent paper diploma from Kinko’s. Head coach Steve Kerr termed the rings “medallions” due to their enormous size.

 

The instruments of the team’s most significant of its four titles won over the previous eight seasons, according to some organization members, were summoned forward one at a time to collect their jeweled awards. From Quinndary Weatherspoon to Juan Toscano-Anderson to Stephen Curry, recollections of their efforts, great or small, flooded the arena when they called each player’s name. On ring night, the Warriors’ slogan, “Strength in Numbers,” is never more apparent.

 

But the roll call didn’t end there. On Tuesday, the first night of the 2022–23 NBA season, the Warriors defeated LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers 123–109, giving every major player on the team who aspires to win yet another Larry O’Brien Trophy in June an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

 

 

First came the seasoned players, whose importance to the squad is undeniable.

 

Curry had a sluggish start (by his standards), but he ended strong, scoring 17 points in the second half on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Late in the fourth quarter, he had his best performance. He first faked off Davis for a layup with an up-and-under move, then made an and-one 3-pointer right after that. He then collapsed to the floor like he was forming a snow angel on the court.

 

In the third quarter, Thompson, the second Splash Brother, gave us one of his classic shooting frenzies by hitting seven straight points in a little over a minute to open the period.

 

The Lakers were poised to mount a last-gasp, unlikely comeback when Andrew Wiggins, who took a discount on his $109 million deal due to his satisfaction with his fit and the winning culture in Golden State, sank two clutch step-back 3-pointers.

 

With only seven points, six rebounds, and two assists in 21 minutes, Kevon Looney did what Kevon Looney does, ending with a team-high plus-30 rating.

 

After the game, Kerr stated, “He’s simply incredibly terrific.” “Perfect Kevon Looney line,” I said to the coaches as soon as I saw the box score.

 

The link between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, the one tense relationship that threatens to derail what seems to be a solid shot at a title defense, was, of course, what everyone was hoping to see. Both agreed that Warriors fans shouldn’t be concerned about their on-court relationship, and they demonstrated it with one of the game’s standout moments: Poole’s perfect pocket pass to Green for a layup in the second quarter.

 

When questioned about whether or not their relationship had improved after the punch, Poole ducked the question and responded that their attention was on winning the season’s opening game.

 

Despite the turmoil surrounding Green-Poole, we know what to anticipate from the Warriors’ core players, including Andre Iguodala, when he is eventually fit to play. The ensemble of personalities, mainly of the greenhorn sort engaged to back the primary figures, makes this team’s potential so exciting. They each enjoyed a little time in the limelight on Tuesday night, just like the veterans.

 

James Wiseman, a 7-footer who had been playing in his first NBA game since April of 2021, delighted the audience by launching a two-handed slam out of a pick-and-roll while still buzzing from the championship elixir.

 

Wiseman expressed his thanks for being back on the court after the game, but now he has to work for the backup center minutes that seem to be available.

 

Wiseman responded when asked how he can regularly contribute, “That comes with many reps.” Since I haven’t played in either 1.5 or 2 years, it will take some time, but I will finally succeed.

 

JaMychal Green, an eight-year veteran and the lone Warriors substitute who has turned 30 years old, demonstrated why the club acquired him this offseason by playing numerous positions, making two of his three 3-point tries, and grabbing seven rebounds.

 

Donte DiVincenzo, Golden State’s other free agency signee, demonstrated his range of abilities in 21 minutes. Still, he won over the crowd’s appetite for 3-pointers when he sank a long shot on Curry’s assist late in the fourth quarter.

 

Moses Moody, a second-year wing who almost every Warrior claims plays and acts beyond his years, appeared to be the odd man out on Tuesday night. Kerr claimed that playing 11 players is challenging, and he was the eleventh. Nevertheless, he scored five points and sank a corner 3-pointer in the second quarter when he briefly entered the game.

 

Finally, Jonathan Kuminga—possibly the Warriors’ most alluring young player—struggled during his 13 minutes of play, which Kerr attributed to anxiety. The 20-year-old demonstrated his potential as a defender with his quickness and adaptability, even without a field goal.

 

The entire puzzle was on display. The second consecutive NBA championship is depicted on the box’s back, but it’s unclear if Kerr and the Warriors will be able to put it all together by the time the playoffs start. The Warriors have just played one game this season, and they are well aware of the blessings and drawbacks of having a team with 11 players who deserve meaningful minutes.

 

After tonight, the trip truly starts because you’ll know you’ll receive everyone’s best shot, according to Curry. We know it will be a very long journey, but that’s why we play. That’s why we’re competitive. That’s why we work so hard. Nobody’s just sitting there staring at that ring and saying, “Oh, it’s over.’ I don’t think anybody’s built like that. You have some talented teams that are going to be rooting for you.