The Warriors dropped their preseason opener at Chase Center 123-101

Dub Nation got their first look at the Warriors in their new home on Saturday night. The young squad took to the floor at Chase Center for the first time in front of a sold out crowd; and while it wasn’t the outcome they were hoping for, it was still a huge moment for the franchise.

Fittingly, it was Curry who sank the first bucket for the Dubs at Chase Center; a textbook mid-range jumper. But, while Curry dropped a team-high 18 points, the bench stepped up and took advantage of the minutes they had on the hardwood. Rookies Jordan Poole and Eric Paschall made their NBA debuts with 17 points and 11 points respectively, with veteran guards Jacob Evans and Damion Lee each adding nine points.

It’s preseason play, and just the first game in what will be a lengthy 2019-20 campaign. The Warriors saw some big changes on their roster over the summer, and it all finally came together for the first time. While some familiar faces were missing from the action, it was an opportunity for the team’s rookies and newer players to show The City what they’ve got; and they didn’t disappoint.

The Dubs struggled from the start to get their shots falling. Trailing by as much as 25 at one point, they continued to push, they continued to put forth the energy, and there were moments where it looked as though they were going to gain control of the game and start doing what the Dubs do. Those moments when they were in a groove, however, were fantastic. Evans didn’t see much time on the floor throughout his rookie season, but came in on Saturday night to show Dub Nation the work he’s been putting in all summer. He was knocking down 60% from the field in the first frame as the squad started to settle in and see their shots falling.

Poole, who was drafted by the Warriors in June with the 28th overall pick, came in hot in the second quarter. He drilled a few big buckets that helped the Dubs hang on to some good scoring momentum. The Warriors were facing an 18-point deficit at one point in the first half, and Poole’s energy certainly contributed to the squad cutting that down to as little as four. The Dubs went into the locker room trailing 60-51 at halftime.

Lee hit a three-pointer to get things going in the third quarter, but it would be long before the Lakers simply ran away with the game. Marquese Chriss — who dropped eight points, six rebounds and four assists, and brought big energy to the floor — fouled out of the game in the third frame. Poole came back in the fourth to try and get the momentum swinging in the Dubs’ favor again, but it wasn’t enough. Missing some of the biggest men on the roster, the Warriors couldn’t keep pace with the sheer body mass of Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

UP NEXT

The Dubs have a few days to make any necessary adjustments before their next opponent comes to town. Thursday night the Minnesota Timberwolves make their first visit to Chase Center, and you won’t want to miss a minute of the action. Find seats.