Steph Curry’s midseason magic was on full display Tuesday night, leaving fans and critics alike in awe as the Golden State Warriors clinched a 118-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Curry’s performance was undeniably stellar, it was the new ‘Hi-Five’ rule that quietly shifted the game’s dynamics, allowing him to capitalize on 13 free throw attempts—a point that’s sure to spark debate among purists. Was it skill, or did the rule change give him an edge? Let’s dive in.
The Warriors’ dynamic duo of Steph Curry and Al Horford may not be the quickest pair on the court, but their elite shooting chemistry is undeniable. When these two execute a dribble-handoff, it’s a sight to behold—and the Blazers had no answer for it, except for resorting to fouls that, under last year’s rules, might have gone uncalled. And this is the part most people miss: the ‘Hi-Five’ rule, which penalizes defenders for swiping at shooters’ hands and emphasizes contact to the legs, played a pivotal role in Curry’s 28-point performance in just 27 minutes. He sank nine free throws in the first half alone, all makes, showcasing his precision under pressure.
‘On nights like tonight, he leads, and we follow him,’ Gary Payton II told reporters, capturing the essence of Curry’s influence on the team. Horford, meanwhile, was the unsung hero, setting killer screens and contributing eight points, four rebounds, and a couple of blocks. Rookie Will Richard also shone, scoring 13 points after earning the start.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Warriors. Portland dominated the paint, scoring 58 points inside, exposing Golden State’s defensive vulnerabilities. However, the Warriors’ scorching three-point shooting—eight makes from behind the arc in the first half—helped them erase an 18-point deficit. ‘I’m proud of the way the guys played,’ coach Steve Kerr said. ‘We got our feet underneath us in the last few minutes of the first half.’
The turning point came late in the second quarter when a Buddy Hield three-pointer gave the Warriors a 74-73 lead, capping a 13-0 run led by Curry. Yet, the Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe continued to be a thorn in the Warriors’ side, scoring 16 points, including a jaw-dropping one-on-one drive against Horford. The game was surprisingly physical for preseason, culminating in Jonathan Kuminga’s ejection just before halftime for arguing a no-call on a contested shot. Kuminga, who had been having a strong night with seven points, six rebounds, and four assists, was sorely missed in the second half.
Here’s a bold take: Kuminga’s ejection wasn’t just a moment of frustration—it highlighted the growing pains of a young player stepping into a modified version of Draymond Green’s role. With Green resting after Sunday’s game, Kuminga started at power forward, showcasing his playmaking skills with dimes to Will Richard and Quinten Post. But his ejection raises questions: Is he ready to handle the pressure of such a pivotal role?
Speaking of big men, Al Horford started at center, but the real intrigue was in the backup rotation. Quinten Post, with his newfound floater, got the nod over Trayce Jackson-Davis, who didn’t enter until the second half. Post’s 15 points and three 3-pointers made a strong case for his versatility, while Jackson-Davis’ 10 rebounds underscored his traditional rim-running prowess.
Another point of contention: What’s the deal with Jimmy Butler and Seth Curry? Butler sat out his third consecutive preseason game due to an ankle injury, though Kerr assured fans he’s ‘day to day.’ Seth Curry, Steph’s younger brother, has yet to make his preseason debut, despite joining the roster early in training camp. ‘He’s ramping up,’ Kerr said, but is this delay cause for concern, or just a strategic move to evaluate other players?
The game also marked a homecoming for assistant coach Terry Stotts, who returned to Portland, where he won 402 games, and Gary Payton II, who returned to his college stomping grounds. Payton’s buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the third quarter was a highlight, but it was Curry’s performance that stole the show.
As the Warriors prepare to wrap up their preseason against the Clippers on Friday, one question lingers: Can they address their defensive weaknesses before the regular season tips off on the 21st? And what role will Kuminga, Butler, and Seth Curry play in their quest for another championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss.
