In the first game of the 2025 NBA preseason, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-103, showcasing the team’s potential and competitiveness. In this game, young guard Moses Moody undoubtedly stood out as the biggest highlight, and his stellar performance may have already addressed a key need for the Warriors.
Early in the game, the Lakers quickly took the lead, scoring 7 points in the first 40 seconds. However, Moody stepped up at critical moments, using smart drives to open up opportunities and displaying impressive accuracy from beyond the arc. In less than 15 minutes of play, he hit 5 three-pointers and finished with a team-high 19 points.
Moody’s impact went beyond scoring. His defense was also excellent, finishing the game shooting 7/9 from the field with 1 steal and a plus-minus of +21, establishing himself as a defensive anchor for the Warriors. His three-point shooting was particularly explosive in the third quarter, when Golden State scored 24 points in just five minutes to pull away from the Lakers.
Looking back at last season, Moody’s performance had dipped due to a finger injury, causing him to lose his starting spot. However, after working hard during the offseason, he quickly regained his form in this preseason opener, proving he remains a strong contender for the starting shooting guard role. Coach Steve Kerr, in his pregame lineup decisions, paired Moody with Brandon Bojemski in the starting lineup, showing his confidence in these two young players.
Other Warriors players also delivered solid performances. Stephen Curry was hot in the first half, shooting 60% from three and finishing with 14 points. Off the bench, Pat Spencer and Buddy Hield contributed 12 and 11 points respectively, demonstrating the team’s deep roster. Al Horford showed his value and experience on the court, while Jonathan Kuminga responded to critics with 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will face the Portland Trail Blazers at home. Whether Moody can maintain this level of play will be key to a smooth transition into the regular season. If he continues to contribute at this pace, the Warriors will undoubtedly be more competitive this season. The team’s goal is to return to the playoffs and compete for a higher seed, and Moody’s rise will be a crucial part of achieving that objective.
Overall, Moses Moody’s impressive performance in the preseason opener highlighted his importance to the Warriors. This victory not only boosted the team’s confidence but also laid a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
