Ups and Downs from the Warriors Preseason

The Warriors displayed ups and downs during the preseason. Impressive performances, but flaws still remain. How will the 2025 season unfold?

The Warriors wrapped up their preseason with a 3-2 record, as Dub Nation got glimpses of hope and worry heading into another difficult season in the West. Stephen Curry did his part as he always does, while Jonathan Kuminga showed elements of star potential on the offensive end, offering real reasons for optimism. Yet, defensive lapses and inconsistency reminded everyone that there is still work to be done ahead of opening night.

The Ups

Steph May Still Be The Face Of The League

As he does every year, Curry was the workhorse for the Warriors during the preseason. At 37 years old, he proved that age is just a number by controlling fourth quarters, putting up solid 20-point performances, and showing his rhythm from deep with an elite 45% accuracy from beyond the arc. Curry appeared in four of the Warriors’ preseason games, winning three and only falling short in the final matchup against the Clippers. He now enters his 17th NBA season, looking fit, sharp and more than ready for opening night.

Kuminga Proves He’s All For The Warriors

Kuminga did well this preseason to bounce back from a controversial summer surrounding his contract negotiations. With trade rumors in the headlines, Kuminga’s passion was on full display. Not only did he impress in terms of scoring, but his ability to find the open man on the fast break was an impressive twist to his usual playing style. Averaging four rebounds per game, he looked like a more complete forward option who fits seamlessly into the offense of head coach Steve Kerr. Despite being ejected against Portland and being fined $35,000 for his actions towards an official, he showed emotion on the court, proving to Dub Nation that he’s a true Warrior at heart.

The Downs

The Turnovers Continue

The Dubs are once again facing the same issues that have set them back over the last few seasons. Mistakes that many thought were behind them have resurfaced. During their five preseason games, the Warriors committed a worrying 110 turnovers, averaging 22 per game. Kerr acknowledged the concerns, telling NBC Sports Bay Area:

“We definitely had a turnover problem throughout the preseason. We’ve got to improve. We need a couple of good days of practice before we head out to LA, but I’m confident we can. We should be fine.”

If they want to compete this season, cutting down on these costly errors has to be a priority.

Injury Problems

Injury concerns remain a major issue for the Warriors. For a team that relies so heavily on experience, minutes, and growth, staying healthy will be Golden State’s main focus this season. Guard Brandin Podziemski gave fans a scare in the preseason finale against the Clippers after exiting with a left hip contusion. Luckily, the injury appeared to be minor, but he will definitely be monitored closely in the coming weeks.

Two vital forwards in Kerr’s system, Jimmy Butler and Kuminga, both have ankle injuries and remain questionable for Tuesday night’s opener in LA. Moses Moody is sidelined with a calf injury, and the newly re-signed De’Anthony Melton is out indefinitely with a knee injury and will be re-evaluated in a few weeks.

Will these early injuries become a major concern for the Warriors’ season ahead?

The Warriors still don’t know their starters for Opening Night, and losing Moses Moody already throws a wrench in Steve Kerr’s lineup plans (via @DaltonJ_Johnson) https://t.co/iEqQnMrcu4

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 19, 2025

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