Chris Paul dominates early preseason win over Lakers, impresses with sync with Warriors

The Golden State Warriors showcased a brand new look and improved chemistry in their preseason win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite missing key players, the Warriors' starters played in sync and dominated the game. The team's goal was to address chemistry issues from last year, and their efforts seem to be paying off. Newcomer Chris Paul made a strong debut, while Klay Thompson showed aggression on the boards. Jonathan Kuminga and rookie Brandin Podziemski also had impressive performances. The Warriors' smaller roster could benefit from Kuminga's development, and Moody is seeking a consistent role. The teams will face off again in their next exhibition game.

The Golden State Warriors underwent a significant transformation since their last encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers, resulting in a disconnected and one-dimensional performance that led to their elimination from the playoffs. However, after five months, the Warriors returned with a renewed focus and a brand new look.

Both teams were missing their star players, with Draymond Green sidelined due to injury for Golden State and LeBron James out for the Lakers. Despite this, the Warriors' front line players outperformed their counterparts from the Lakers. Although it will take some time for the team to find their rhythm, the starters displayed a fundamental synchronicity in their 125-108 victory on Saturday night.

One notable aspect of the game was that every player on the Warriors' roster had an opportunity to contribute. This inclusivity reflects the team's goal during training camp to address the chemistry issues that plagued them in the previous season. To achieve this, the core players, including Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, organized all-team mini-camps throughout the summer, ensuring that everyone was on the same page and in sync when the regular season began in October.

While the intensity of preseason games may not match that of the regular season, the Warriors' new-look lineup appeared as though they had been playing together for months. Chris Paul, making his highly anticipated debut for the Warriors, started in place of the injured Green. Paul shared ball-handling duties with Curry and immediately showcased his chemistry with him by setting up a re-locating Curry for a 3-pointer at the top of the arc. Despite only playing in the first half, Paul contributed six points and five assists in just 13 minutes.

Klay Thompson, who started at the power forward position, demonstrated his shooting prowess by attempting seven 3-pointers, making two of them, and grabbing four rebounds in his 13 minutes on the court. Unlike last season, Thompson is expected to participate in a near full-slate of preseason games to regain his game shape. Additionally, with a smaller bench, Thompson will need to step up his defensive efforts against power forwards and contribute on the boards. In this game, he showed aggression on the glass, although half of his rebounds were uncontested.

Jonathan Kuminga, known for his aggressive style of play, showcased his skills and decision-making abilities during his minutes on the court. He seamlessly integrated himself into the Warriors' system, particularly during the more methodical first half, and provided some highlights during the bench-heavy second half. The 21-year-old led the team in scoring with 24 points, with one of the standout moments being a transition dunk off a lob from guard Kendric Davis in the fourth quarter. Despite his impressive performance, Kuminga did struggle with turnovers, committing five of them, all in the first half. However, if he can continue to develop and contribute his athleticism to the team, the smaller Warriors roster could reach new heights.

Rookie Brandin Podziemski, who played point guard for the second unit, displayed improvement from his shaky showing in the Summer League. He contributed 11 points on 50% shooting from the field, along with four assists and five rebounds.

Moses Moody, entering his third year and searching for a consistent role in the rotation, had a solid performance with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

The Warriors will face the Lakers again in their second exhibition game, which will take place next Friday in Los Angeles. This game will provide another opportunity for the Warriors to showcase their new look and continue building chemistry as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.

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