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Key Golden State Warriors questions could be answered in final preseason games

By Peter O'Keefe

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors before a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors before a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have made a positive and unbeaten start to their preseason, notching two victories over the Los Angeles Lakers before a last start overtime win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

Yet while things appear rosy for the Warriors right now, the opening three games have far from answered some of they key questions surrounding the franchise this offseason.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has declared at least one of the team’s final two preseason games will be a ‘dress rehearsal’.

The early portion of preseason has been all about Golden State’s younger players, particularly former seventh overall pick Jonathan Kuminga’s whose 26 points per game leads the entire league to this point.

The Warriors’ veteran core have played fleetingly thus far, with the starters playing around 13 minutes in the opening game against the Lakers and around 20 minutes in the second. Veteran point-guards Stephen Curry and Chris Paul were rested from the Kings matchup, while Klay Thompson was pulled from the game at half-time.

As impressive as Golden State have been through the first three games, the truth is that hasn’t exactly been reality. The good news is that’s about to change ahead of their final two games against the Kings and San Antonio Spurs.

Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski has impressed so far in preseason. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski has impressed so far in preseason. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Speaking after the 121-115 win over the Kings, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed the Warriors will ramp up their preparations for the opening night blockbuster against the Phoenix Suns on October 24.

"“We’ll play our staters more minutes, try to get them up closer to 30. This will be more dress rehearsal. More thorough scouting going into the games. More simulations of gameday in terms of shoot around and pre-game meeting and scout, all of that stuff.”"

The dress rehearsal could provide some answers to key questions — what does the Warriors genuine rotation look like? How many minutes have Kuminga and Moses Moody earned with their early form? How does Chris Paul’s introduction impact the second-unit? Could rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis play a meaningful role?

Next. Golden State Warriors: Freshly signed forward a potential bolter for 14th roster spot. dark

Nothing can be fully resolved until Draymond Green makes his return, with the 33-year-old ramping up his recovery from an ankle sprain. Still, fans are drawing closer to seeing the main product and how that compares to the league’s best this season.

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