Yes, the Warriors do want that smoke
Bring on the Thunder - Golden State is playing their own game
Some days you’re the bug, some days you’re the windshield. The Golden State Warriors are on the wrong end of tonight’s matchup - at least on paper. Still playing without Stephen Curry, the Warriors managed to pull one of the toughest teams that the NBA has seen in the past decade: the defending champs, the OKC Thunder are rolling in on a franchise record-setting 12 game win streak. They’ve lost one game so far this season. One.
Maybe two, after tonight.
If any team has seen crazier things than this, it would be Golden State. While they may indeed be losing the long term arms race in the NBA as other teams get taller and younger, the Warriors continue to lean into their own brand of basketball.
In related news, the Warriors have finally decided to pull the trigger on adding Seth Curry back onto the roster. After playing well with the team in the preseason, he’s been on hiatus for the first few months of the season as part of Golden State’s salary cap management strategy. It’s also given the team a chance to take a closer look at some newer options at the wing, but more on that below.
This reunion makes me really happy.
GAME DETAILS
WHO: Golden State Warriors (11-10) vs. OKC Thunder (20-1 lol)
WHEN: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025; 7:30pm PST
WATCH: NBCSBA
Will Kerr be able to resist running Curry, Curry, Heild, Butler, and Green? God I hope not!
Much like my golf game, there are all sorts of issues to address when it comes to areas of improvement. So no, I’m not entirely sure that adding two more wing players will fundamentally alter what has troubled the Warriors so far this season - but it certainly couldn’t hurt.
For those who missed the news about Seth Curry, he’s not just signed, but he is immediately available. Coupled with that, the imminent return of another extremely helpful wing player, De’Anthony Melton is sure to shake up the Warriors’ rotations.
While at first glance this may feel like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, these wing moves are very much aligned with Golden State’s win strategy. They flat out don’t care about size and athleticism as much as they prioritize getting guys who know how to play their brand of basketball.
The Thunder are lapping the NBA. Proof that Sam Presti’s video game-like approach of Trusting the Process can yield results, they aren’t just the defending champions, they’re also still holding one of the top picks in the upcoming draft. This is a stacked roster that is only going to become more and more stacked. Even as developed players price themselves out of the team’s plans, new talent is slated to come online to ensure that this team has every possible opportunity to become a dynasty.
This season, the Warriors lead the league in made 3-pointers per game and are second in attempts. But the newest Curry brother will help them fix the fact that they are tied for 14th in 3-point percentage. Curry is an 11-year NBA veteran who ranks seventh all-time in career outside shooting percentage (43.3%). It is certainly a fix. Or at least, it could be.
And that’s where Golden State is at right now. They are back to being the outsider. The Thunder are the NBA’s future. A young core that has proven themselves that is also slated to have another infusion of high tier talent in the upcoming draft.
But let me tell you something about the DNA of this team.
Curry has a whole endeavor called Underrated. Draymond Green is the epitome of scrappiness. Jimmy Butler’s backstory is like a superhero arc. This team is not going to go away without some kicking and screaming.
The additions of Seth Curry and Melton are going to throw Kerr’s rotations into chaos, but that is the intent. After taking extended looks at some of their guard options, Golden State is going back to the drawing board with intent. They definitely want to cut down on turnovers, and adding more outside shooting prowess is becoming nearly mandatory at this point, if the team is hoping to stay relevant.
Everything breaks around here whenever Steph Curry sits, but the Warriors are taking this time seriously. Bringing back Kuminga and Seth Curry, looking forward to the return of Milton? These are all part of the process. And just like with OKC, trusting the process can sometimes feel lame, but things very rarely come together without a plan.
I don’t know who was in charge of the schedule, but can’t help but note that December is a relatively quiet month for Dub Nation. The timing couldn’t be better.
Prediction
Seth hits a three, the Warriors defense looks and feels just as scrappy and under-sized as it is. Warriors pull of a miracle and hand OKC their third loss of the season.
Post-game thread up!
LOL WHO IS STILL WATCHIIIING?!!??!