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Golden State Warriors: 3 Underdogs who are shattering expecations

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Stephen Curry #30 and Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Curry made a three-point basket against the LA Clippers late in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on October 21, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Stephen Curry #30 and Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Curry made a three-point basket against the LA Clippers late in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on October 21, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

Damion Lee

Everyone has had a chance to make their jokes about Damion Lee being Stephen Curry’s brother-in-law. Now, Lee might be the last one laughing, as he has done more than anyone could have expected.

Lee joined the Warriors on a two-way contract in 2018 after brief stints in Boston and Atlanta. The 26-year-old played extremely limited minutes in his first season in the Bay as Golden State completed their most recent trip to the NBA Finals.

It seemed Lee’s role would stay minimal until Kevin Durant left in free agency, Klay Thompson suffered a season-ending injury and Stephen Curry fractured his hand. All of a sudden, the door was open for Lee to play consistent minutes.

The 2019-20 season was not pretty for Golden State. But, Lee averaged 12.7 points and did just enough as a perimeter defender to earn an official NBA contract. In the next season, Lee began to take strides as a two-way threat, playing nearly 20 minutes per game in 57 games as the Warriors competed for a Playoff spot.

Fast forward to this season and Lee is posting a career-high 14.3 points on a blistering 50 percent (15-of-30) clip from deep. He is a key reason the Dubs have the best Defensive Rating in the league and his catch-and-shoot abilities have made him a staple of their motion offense.

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