The Golden State Warriors made a resounding statement in their 2024-25 NBA season opener, thoroughly outclassing the Portland Trail Blazers in a 139-104 rout that spotlighted the unprecedented depth of their roster. Head coach Steve Kerr boldly deployed a 12-man rotation, an unconventional strategy that paid off in spades as seven Warriors scored in double figures.
Strength in Numbers: A New Era
Drawing comparisons to the “Strength in Numbers” identity of the 2014-15 championship squad, Kerr gushed about the versatility at his disposal, deeming this the deepest collection of talent he’s ever coached. The third quarter had barely begun before all 12 active Warriors had logged minutes, a remarkable display of trust from a coaching staff renowned for its shrewd roster management.
This is as deep of a team as I’ve ever coached, and we’ve got to lean into that. I’ve never played 12 before, but we’re going to do it.
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Head Coach
Newcomers Make Immediate Impact
Offseason acquisition Buddy Hield made his presence felt immediately, erupting for a game-high 22 points in just 15 minutes of action. The sharpshooting guard drilled five 3-pointers, a tantalizing preview of the spacing and firepower he brings to an already loaded offense.
Rookie sensation Brandin Podziemski also shined in his NBA debut, flashing the scoring prowess that made him a Summer League standout. The 21-year-old swingman figures to add yet another dynamic dimension to the Warriors’ wing rotation.
The Steph Curry Effect
As always, Stephen Curry served as the offensive catalyst, orchestrating the Warriors’ attack with surgical precision. The two-time MVP finished with 17 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds in just 25 minutes, setting the tone for a free-flowing, egalitarian offense that had the Blazers scrambling all night.
Without Klay, we needed shooting. Well, we needed shooting anyways. We know what [Hield’s] skill-set is. We know what he’s capable of doing. It’s been a very seamless transition so far.
Stephen Curry on Buddy Hield’s instant impact
Adapting to Life Without Klay
The Warriors’ depth has taken on added importance in the wake of Klay Thompson’s devastating Achilles injury, which is expected to sideline the All-Star guard for most, if not all, of the 2024-25 campaign. Rather than attempting to replace Thompson’s production with any one player, Golden State appears committed to a more evenly distributed approach.
Andrew Wiggins, fresh off a four-year, $180 million contract extension, poured in an efficient 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. The 28-year-old forward continues to thrive as a complementary scorer alongside Curry, leveraging his athleticism and improved outside shot to keep defenses honest.
The Challenge Ahead
While the Warriors’ opening night performance was undeniably impressive, questions remain about the sustainability of such a deep rotation over the course of an 82-game grind. Kerr acknowledged that matchups and individual performances may dictate a more condensed rotation on certain nights, but the early returns suggest this could be a viable long-term strategy.
You have to have a commitment – no agendas, no egos, or healthy egos, where you know you’re supposed to be out there but if it’s not you’re night, don’t bring the team down with your energy.
Stephen Curry on the key to making a deep rotation work
As the Warriors embark on their quest for a record-tying fifth championship in nine seasons, their unrivaled depth could prove to be the ultimate trump card. With a roster stacked from top to bottom with battle-tested veterans, ascending young talent, and a transcendent superstar in Curry, Golden State appears poised to set a new standard for what it means to be a complete team in the modern NBA.
