HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Golden State Warriors kicked off their preseason with a nail-biting victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, edging them out 91-90, thanks to a last-second, game-winning 3-pointer from rising star Lindy Waters III. This exciting matchup took place after four days of intense training at BYU-Hawaii, showcasing the energy and potential of the Warriors as they look to reclaim their championship status.

Coach Steve Kerr couldn't hide his enthusiasm after the game, stating, "What a great way to finish a great week." However, outside of Waters' spectacular performance, the Warriors’ shooting was less than impressive. Despite holding a narrow 53-49 lead at halftime, the team struggled with their shooting accuracy, finishing the game with a dismal 33.7% from the floor and only 22.9% from deep (11 of 48).

Star guard Steph Curry played only 14 minutes and sat out the second half, leading the team with nine points in the first half. Unfortunately, he struggled with his shooting, going 2-of-8 overall and missing all four of his 3-point attempts. Still, he made a perfect five free throws.

Looking to reestablish themselves as a dominant defensive force, the Warriors showed flashes of their intent, racking up nine steals by halftime. They capitalized on 14 Clippers turnovers, leading to 20 points and ultimately finishing the game with 14 steals and seven blocks, holding the Clippers to 38.5% shooting and 22.9% from beyond the arc.

Waters emerged as the unlikely hero, sinking five 3-pointers – four of which came in the thrilling fourth quarter. His teammate De’Anthony Melton praised him, saying, "Man, shout out to Lindy Waters. I told him I need at least four threes tonight, and he came out shooting."

Kerr spoke highly of Waters’ versatility, noting, "He’s not just a spot-up guy; he understands the game well. He’s got great size and shooting off of movement." It is no wonder the Warriors were eager to bring him into their lineup after seeing him perform in prior matchups.

Among the takeaways from this preseason opener, the starting lineup generated intrigue. With Andrew Wiggins sidelined due to illness, there was speculation about who would start alongside Curry. Ultimately, the starting five featured Curry, Melton, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. While they demonstrated some chemistry, they struggled early in the game.

Coach Kerr acknowledged the challenges, stating, "It wasn’t great, but it’s preseason for everybody. We didn’t start well, but it was good to get those guys on the floor together." The team has been experimenting with different combinations, which is a theme as they prepare for the regular season.

In other developments, the bench unit – featuring Podziemski, Gary Payton II, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and Kevon Looney – made an immediate impact. Their energy ignited a 5-0 run after Looney blocked a shot, eventually helping the team secure a narrow lead in the first quarter.

Moses Moody, fighting for minutes in a competitive roster, made a strong case for more playing time with his performance. He scored 12 points in just 13 minutes, making crucial quick decisions and executing shots without hesitation, a skill that Kerr highlighted as crucial for Moody's development.

As the Warriors look ahead, they prepare for their next challenge against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. With new faces emerging and the team finding its rhythm, fans can expect more thrilling moments as the Warriors gear up for another promising season. Who will shine next? Stay tuned!