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2 winners and 2 losers from Golden State Warriors fourth preseason win

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot that turned out to be the game winner with five second remaining against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on October 18, 2023 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 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot that turned out to be the game winner with five second remaining against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on October 18, 2023 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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Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to playing the Sacramento Kings in a NBA preseason game at Golden 1 Center. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to playing the Sacramento Kings in a NBA preseason game at Golden 1 Center. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Klay Thompson

Cause for concern? After an offseason and training camp where reports were that he looked in fantastic physical shape, that’s failed to transition into preseason performances for Klay Thompson.

The 33-year-old hadn’t shot the ball overly well in the first three games, but Wednesday’s game was a whole new level of ugly. Thompson shot just 2-for-10 from the floor and 1-4 from deep, finishing with just five points in over 31 minutes while also adding three turnovers.

The five-time All-Star’s 38.9% from three-point range isn’t disastrous, yet his 29.7% from the field overall certainly is. In fairness, he’s been more active on the defensive glass this preseason with another seven boards on Wednesday.

Stretches of shooting struggles aren’t uncommon for Thompson, and he usually explodes out of them at some point. It’s certainly better to rid the rust in preseason, something he didn’t have the opportunity to do last year. The ongoing contract extension element only adds to the intrigue on his form moving forward.

2. Moses Moody

Minus the absence of Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, this was the first major dress rehearsal for the Warriors ahead of their season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Steve Kerr wanted to win and it showed in his rotation throughout the game and particularly down the stretch.

Moses Moody was probably the biggest victim of the competitive nature, limited to less than eight minutes after 24, 22 and 32 throughout the first three. Gary Payton II was evidently preferred having played 17 minutes, with his defensive capacity preferred over Moody’s offensive ability.

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That was on show with a nice drive and finish over Keegan Murray in the second-quarter, but there were a couple of poor defensive plays that vindicated Kerr’s decision. It leaves a question mark of where Moody is at in the rotation come the regular season, with the likes of he, Payton and Cory Joseph likely to share minutes based on a game-by-game situation.

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