"The Warriors believe themselves to be title contenders. They'll point to their stars Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. They'll point to how great they were on defense once that trio was put together last year. They'll point to their overall depth, which is as good as it's been in nearly a decade. They'll point to their prodigious experience that no team in the NBA can come close to matching. And now they'll point to how they played in their 2025-26 season debut against the Lakers. That, folks, is a good basketball team. A team that, if luck goes their way, demands to be reckoned with come the spring."
"Lost amid the nonsense and ridiculousness that was Kuminga's contract negotiations this summer was the possibility that a player who just turned 23 years old might actually figure out what it takes to really play and get paid in the NBA; the chance that Kuminga might finally get it. That possibility looks like it's coming into focus. A strong preseason hinted at it, and Game 1 amplified it."
"Kuminga had 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and a steal in the Warriors' 119-109 season-opening win. He had only two turnovers and played a lot of one-on-one defense against Luka Doncic, turning in a solid defensive shift and picking up only two fouls. Kuminga has said that he spent his offseason trying to be the Warriors' X-Factor this season the kind of tertiary player whose winning plays take good teams and make them great. Warriors coach Steve Kerr has told nearly everyone in the league that he wants Kuminga to replicate Shawn Marion's game One game does not a season make, but Kuminga was certainly the X-Factor on Tuesday. He looked an awful lot like the Matrix."
The Warriors enter the season as serious title contenders, anchored by Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and unmatched playoff experience. The roster depth ranks among the franchise's best in nearly a decade and the defense improved markedly once the core trio was assembled. Jonathan Kuminga showed significant progress in the season opener, providing scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and solid perimeter defense while committing few turnovers. Kuminga’s improved play and willingness to embrace a tertiary, high-impact role offers the Warriors an added dimension that could matter greatly through the trade deadline and into the playoffs.
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