The Golden State Warriors unleashed their revamped roster Wednesday night, crushing the Portland Trail Blazers 139-104 in their season opener, with Andrew Wiggins backing up his postgame declaration of the Warriors having “the deepest team in the league.”
Wiggins delivered an efficient masterclass in just 23 minutes, posting 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including a scorching 4-of-7 from three-point range, while adding four rebounds and two assists. His performance symbolized the Warriors’ overwhelming depth that buried Portland under an avalanche of offensive firepower.
Stephen Curry led all scorers with 28 points in just 27 minutes, showcasing his continued excellence as the franchise cornerstone. The reloaded Warriors roster allowed coach Steve Kerr to explore various lineup combinations throughout the night.
Draymond Green’s season-opening performance mixed brilliance with familiar concerns, as he collected his first technical foul of the 2024-25 campaign during a heated second-quarter exchange. Green, who finished with six assists and anchored the defense, erupted after a disputed moving screen call.
The technical adds to Green’s controversial history. His career pattern includes multiple suspensions, most notably during the 2016 NBA Finals and a high-profile practice altercation last season.
“We’ve talked extensively about maintaining composure,” Kerr addressed Green’s technical postgame. “Every game matters, and we need Draymond on the floor. He knows that. It’s about channeling that passion productively.”
“The passion is what makes me who I am,” Green responded. “But I understand the need for balance. One tech isn’t ideal, but it’s about learning from it early.”
The Warriors’ offseason additions showed immediate impact. Buddy Hield, acquired in a surprise trade, displayed his elite shooting with 15 points off the bench. Kyle Anderson’s versatility manifested in an eight-point, six-rebound, five-assist debut, while De’Anthony Melton’s defensive intensity resulted in three steals.
Jonathan Kuminga contributed 12 points and showed improved decision-making, while rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis impressed with eight points and six rebounds in his NBA debut. The bench unit dominated Portland’s reserves, posting a decisive 64-32 scoring advantage.
“This is what we envisioned when we built this roster,” Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said. “Multiple players who can impact the game in different ways, giving us options we haven’t had in recent years. The flexibility allows us to match up with any style of play.”
Green’s defensive communication energized the team despite his technical foul. “Adding shooters like Buddy opens up everything for us,” he explained. “Teams can’t help off anyone anymore. It makes my job as a facilitator much easier.”
The victory sets up an intriguing Friday night clash with the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, where the Warriors’ depth will face its first road test. Wiggins’ declaration puts a target on Golden State’s back, but Wednesday’s performance suggests they’re ready for the challenge.
Portland’s head coach admitted being overwhelmed by Golden State’s firepower. “They just keep coming at you in waves,” he said. “When their second unit is that good, it’s hard to find any breathing room.”
Curry emphasized the importance of Green maintaining his composure moving forward. “Draymond’s energy drives us, but we need him available every night. That first tech is a reminder of the fine line we walk with his intensity.”
For now, the Warriors’ season opener serves notice to the league: Championship contender status may not be far away if Wiggins and this deep roster continue performing at this level. Their dominant start validates preseason optimism while raising expectations for what this reconstructed team might achieve.
The Warriors’ next test comes against Utah, where they’ll aim to prove their opener wasn’t just opening night magic but rather the emergence of the NBA’s deepest roster making its presence felt. With momentum and confidence building, Golden State looks poised to reclaim its place among the league’s elite – provided they can keep Green’s passion within the bounds of NBA regulation.
