The Golden State Warriors Were Robbed

The Golden State Warriors Were Robbed

Without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and Moses Moody, the Golden State Warriors took on the LeBron and Lucalless Los Angeles Lakers, and struggled without their starters, getting down by 21, the same deficit they got down against the Blazers in the previous preseason game in which they came back. in LA behind Branson Pompeki who scored a game high 23 which included literally breaking Austin Reeves ankles along with Quinton Post and Jonathan Kaminga who combined for 22. The Warriors dominated the third quarter winning the frame 3927. Trace Jackson Davis was a beastly yet polished role man scoring time and time again on savvy rolls to the hoop. TJD was also elite as the low man defensively which ended up being key in fueling the Dubs getting back into the game. Jackson Davis meshed with Gary Payeyton II, Will Richard, and Pat Spencer to generate 38 bench points between them, and the Warriors had cut it to five by the fourth frame. In the fourth, third stringers like Maris Balden, LJ Crier, and Jackson Row checked in, and a lineup of they and Ge Santos allowed the Lakers to reextend their lead to nine with 8 minutes to spare. The Warriors trailed by 11 with under three minutes to play. And despite massive triples from LJ Crier, who scored 11 in the quarter, the Warriors came up short. But here’s what I haven’t mentioned yet. The Dubs were outshot a ridiculous 35 to8 by the Lakers at the free throw line as the crew of Brent Barnick, Natalie Seiggo, and Matt Calio was evidently biased towards LA on multiple calls. Whenever the free throw disparity is this large and it was 190 at one point, you know something strange is going on. So, I had to call out what I saw for what it is. If it wasn’t a preseason game, Kerr would have taken a fine because for the Lakers to have that many free throws without their two best players in Luca and LeBron playing doesn’t make much sense. I watched the game and most of the calls were garbage. Plus, the whistle wasn’t consistent on both ends. One of the bright spots in the dub’s frustrating L that didn’t go their way from an officiating perspective to say the very least was Brandon Pajki. Pods look like themselves for the first time this preseason as after failing to crack the 10.5 rebound or five assist plateau in his first two outings against Los Angeles and Portland. The Warriors third preseason game overall and second against the Lakers was different. Pod scored 23 on 72% true shooting, going 10 for 16 from the field and 3 for seven from deep range. Equally as important to go along with his game high in scoring, Brandon recorded a game high eight assists, spreading the wealth effectively. Pajki didn’t just score, he controlled the game, playing around 26 minutes. He also added five rebounds and a steal while carrying the offensive load for a short-handed Dubs team missing several vets. He got up to a steady start early, but it was in the third frame where he truly caught fire, pouring in 14 points and nearly willing Golden State back into the game. It was the kind of showing that reminded everyone what made him so special as a rookie. His pace, feel for the game, and ability to take what the defense gives him. Even when the Lakers sent size and length his way, he consistently found ways to shake free, using quick changes of direction and hesitation moves to create separation for floaters and pull-ups. What stood out most though was the combination of scoring and orchestration. Pajky wasn’t just hunting his own shots. He was commanding the offense like a true floor general. His drives collapsed the defense and led to clean looks for teammates. And his eight dimes were the byproduct of consistent, decisive reads. The balance he struck between aggressiveness and control showed a level of maturity that bodess well for his long-term development. Shooting 10 for 16 overall with a smooth three of seven from beyond the ark. He showcased a scoring arsenal that’s expanding every game. Floaters, pull-ups, catch and shoots, and even a few creative finishes in traffic. It was a reminder that Pajki isn’t just a role player. He’s a connector capable of running stretches of the offense himself. For Golden State, this showing reinforces how important internal development is to their success this year. Pajk’s ability to score efficiently, facilitate at a high level, and play within the flow gives the Warriors a fresh dynamic. He brings a blend of composure and edge that mix of old school grit and modern skill that fits perfectly within the Warriors DNA. If he can build on this and bring similar energy into the regular season, the Warriors backcourt depth suddenly looks a lot more dangerous. Nights like this are why the organization is so high on him. Another major bright spot was Jonathan Kaminga who dropped 13 points in 22 minutes on 5 for8 shooting from the field while drilling one of his three attempted triples. Kaminga’s night included baptizing Jake Laravia with a monster poster slam plus using his scoring arsenal to get downhill for forceful takes to the cup using his speed, size, and athleticism. Seeing this burst from Kaminga is such a great sign because we know how dominant he can be when he’s fully engaged and confident in his rhythm. What stood out most about Kaminga’s performance wasn’t just the scoring itself. It was how he scored. His drives were purposeful and efficient, showing that he’s starting to blend athleticism with control. Rather than relying purely on his explosiveness, Kamiga picked his spots wisely, attacking when the floor opened and using improved footwork to stay balanced through contact. There were a few possessions where he used patient hesitation moves to freeze his defender, then powered through with a quick first step that left the help side reacting too late. That type of composure within Chaos is exactly what the Warriors have been waiting for. It’s a sign that his decision-making, once a weakness, is maturing. He’s learning when to use his power and when to pull back. And that’s a huge leap for a player who used to rely primarily on instinct. Kaminga’s confidence as a shooter also looked more natural than in past seasons. The 13 he hit came in rhythm off a kick out with no hesitation, a small but significant detail. Even the two he missed were within the flow of the offense, showing his understanding of spacing and timing in Golden State’s system. When he’s willing to take those open looks without second-guessing, it changes everything. Defenders can’t sag off and clog the lane, which opens up his driving lanes and gives the Warriors more options when Curry’s off the ball. That’s where Kaminga’s offensive growth becomes so valuable. He doesn’t have to dominate the ball to impact possessions anymore. He’s becoming a player who can seamlessly fit into lineups with both vets and young guys. and that versatility could make him one of the most dangerous X factors in the Western Conference this season. Defensively, Kaminga’s presence was just as noticeable. His athleticism allows him to guard multiple spots, but it’s his improved discipline that really pops now. He’s no longer biting at every pump fake or losing focus off the ball. Instead, he’s rotating with purpose, contesting shots without fouling, and showing better communication on switches. There were a few possessions where he forced tough looks from bigger forwards and even slid his feet well against guards. That’s the kind of defensive range the Warriors need to keep up with the modern NBA’s pace and versatility. When Kaminga locks in on that end, he completely changes the energy of the unit. It’s not just highlight plays anymore. It’s consistent defensive pressure that sets a tone. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Kaminga’s night, though, was his body language. He looked comfortable, confident, and completely bought into his role. Something that hasn’t always been the case in previous seasons. There’s a different aura about him now, one that feels more like a young vet than a raw prospect. He’s carrying himself like someone who understands what’s at stake this year, both for his personal development and for the Dub’s future. With his new contract secured, the pressure to prove himself might finally be off, allowing him to focus on just playing ball. And when Kaminga plays loose and free, the result is the version of him we saw against the Lakers. Explosive, efficient, and engaged on both ends. If he can carry that same energy into the regular season, he could be in line for the true breakout year fans have been waiting for since he entered the association. Even with the loss and a wildly lopsided 35 to8 free throw disparity, it’s hard not to feel like the Warriors were robbed of a fair result. They fought back from down 21 without four core rotation players, showed real chemistry from their young guys, and looked like the better team for long stretches. Brandon Pajky and Jonathan Kaminga especially stood out, showing flashes of what this team could become. Faster, tougher, and confident in their identity. Paws controlled the tempo and created for others while Kaminga attacked the rim with purpose and composure. Add in solid minutes from Trace Jackson Davis and Gary Payton II’s defensive chaos and this felt less like a preseason tuneup and more like a statement about Golden State’s future. Because even through the uneven whistle, the Warriors didn’t fold. They fought, adjusted, and made it clear that their next generation is ready. If this game was any indication, once the Stars return and the calls start balancing out, this team won’t just compete.

Outshot at the free-throw line 35-8, Golden State was clearly on the wrong end of inconsistent officiating, with calls heavily favoring the Lakers despite missing stars on both sides. Even with that massive disparity, the Warriors fought back from a 21-point deficit, led by standout performances from Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Podz dropped 23 points and 8 assists, Kuminga attacked the rim with authority, and the young core showed flashes of the team’s future, proving they can compete even when the refs aren’t fair.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIZ7RQDub7cuGqcTh9qqwJg

Follow Me On Twitter :https://x.com/dflowhoops

Follow Me On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dflowhoops/

The Golden State Warriors Were Robbed