Warriors’ role players thrive as Dubs beat Nuggets by two to open preseason play
By Justin Lee
The Golden State Warriors played their first preseason game of the 2020 season against the Denver Nuggets. Even though it is technically an exhibition game, some of the starters got quality time to get back into game shape.
It has been 277 days since the Warriors last played an NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers in a game that saw Golden State get destroyed by 24. It has been 280 days since the Dubs last win against the Philadelphia Sixers, where the Warriors won by four.
In that game, Damion Lee led the team with 24 points. Eric Paschall also had himself a lovely night with 23 points. However, those were difficult times where a Warriors squad was without superstar Stephen Curry.
Curry came back for the preseason opener at Chase Center and immediately splashed home a three.
Let’s not forget about the addition of Andrew Wiggins from last season, who played 12 games with the club in the 2019-2020 season. He was able to get the first points on the board with a stepback three in the corner.
Fans did not get to see Klay Thompson out there for a second straight year, and it can be painful to think about. However, watching new addition Kelly Oubre Jr. can make up for that in a couple of different ways.
His defense will be critical for the Warriors this season due to his length. Just tonight, we got a chance to see that first hand, as he had a chase-down block at the rim in the halfcourt. He was also able to hit a few key buckets, including his first points as a Warrior from a corner three.
This team will be plenty of fun to watch this year, especially when you consider they still have a No. 2 overall pick who hasn’t played yet due to Covid-19. When Warriors fans get a chance to see him live and in-game, it will be crazy at the Chase Center.
Besides the players we expect to play well every night, there were a few role players with some key performances against the Nuggets. Let’s take a look at who they are.