Grading Warriors Players After A Frustrating Loss Against The Los Angeles Clippers

The Golden State Warriors suffered their first loss of the 2024-25 NBA season (112-104) and it came at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers , who were led by James Harden (23 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists) and Ivica Zubac (23 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists). The Warriors fall to 2-1 on the season but the biggest news is that Stephen Curry limped off in the fourth quarter and did not return, which did not help with the result. Hoping that Curry won’t miss significant time and can return quickly into the season, we provide a grade for every Warriors player tonight.

Andrew Wiggins: A

Stats: 29 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 11-15 FG, 5-8 3-PT FG, 29 mins

Andrew Wiggins was the Warriors' standout performer, leading the team with 29 points on an efficient 11-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Although he didn't contribute much on the boards or with assists, his scoring was crucial in keeping the game close. Wiggins' shooting accuracy and energy helped him lead the Warriors' offense effectively and without him (especially with Stephen Curry limping off), the team would not have had a chance.

Stephen Curry: B+

Stats: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 6-11 FG, 4-7 3-PT FG, 27 mins

Stephen Curry was solid, finishing with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists while shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-7 from deep. His playmaking and shooting kept the Warriors competitive until he exited with an injury in the fourth quarter, which undoubtedly impacted the team's chances. Hopefully, Curry’s injury is minor, as his contributions are vital for the Warriors this season. If Curry does miss time, most teams in the Western Conference will rejoice because a major play-in (or playoff) contender will be out of the picture.

Related: Steve Kerr Opens Up On Stephen Curry's Ankle Injury During Loss To The Clippers

Kevon Looney: B+

Stats: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 4-9 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 20 mins

Kevon Looney continued to anchor the Warriors' frontcourt with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists. His 3 steals added a nice defensive boost, as Looney was effective in the paint, providing second-chance opportunities and solid interior play. Looney's hustle on both ends of the floor deserves recognition although he did not exactly stop Ivica Zibac who had one of the best games of his career. Regardless, Looney was the standout performer in the paint.

Jonathan Kuminga: C+

Stats: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 4-10 FG, 1-6 3-PT FG, 22 mins

Jonathan Kuminga showed flashes of his potential with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. His shooting was inconsistent (4-of-10 FG, 1-of-6 3PT), but his energy on defense and ability to get into passing lanes were positives. Kuminga’s development is promising, though he could work on his shooting efficiency if he wants to become a franchise cornerstone for the Warriors someday. Against the Clippers, Kuminga was decent but unspectacular.

Gary Payton II: C+

Stats: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2-5 FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 14 mins

Gary Payton II provided energy off the bench, scoring 6 points and grabbing 3 rebounds. He shot 2-of-5 from the field, including a missed three-point attempt. Though he didn’t record any defensive stats, his presence contributed to the Warriors' defensive efforts, even if his impact was limited.

De’Anthony Melton: C+

Stats: 8 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 3-5 FG, 2-4 3-PT FG, 17 mins

De’Anthony Melton contributed 8 points and added a block in his 17 minutes. He shot well from three (2-of-4), but his overall impact was somewhat muted without much rebounding or playmaking. Melton’s efficient shooting gave the Warriors a lift, though he’ll aim to expand his contributions in future games to earn more than the 17 minutes he earned against the Clippers. The Warriors might look at Melton’s defensive capabilities as a reason to play him more minutes.

Brandin Podziemski: C

Stats: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2-8 FG, 0-5 3-PT FG, 25 mins

Brandin Podziemski had a mixed night, finishing with 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. He struggled with his shot (2-of-8 FG, 0-of-5 3PT), but he managed to stay involved in other areas of the game, such as rebounding and facilitating. Podziemski’s versatility was apparent, even though his shooting needs improvement considering the time Steve Kerr gave him on the court. Regardless, the guard should have a strong season across the board this year.

Draymond Green: C

Stats: 2 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 27 mins

Draymond Green struggled offensively, scoring just 2 points on 0-of-2 shooting, but he grabbed 5 rebounds and handed out 2 assists. His defensive presence was felt, though he didn’t record any steals or blocks. Green’s leadership and defense are always crucial, but his lack of scoring made it difficult for the Warriors to keep pace with the Clippers. We know that Green is no longer in his prime but we expected a little from the team’s vocal leader on the defensive end and he did not exactly deter Zubac in the paint.

Moses Moody: C

Stats: 3 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1-3 FG, 1-2 3-PT FG, 12 mins

Moses Moody had a quiet game, contributing 3 points and 2 rebounds in 12 minutes. He shot 1-of-3 from the field, including 1-of-2 from three. Moody’s limited minutes and impact were overshadowed by others, though he provided depth off the bench and will fight to earn more playing time on a stacked depth chart.

Trayce Jackson-Davis: C

Stats: 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 2-6 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 16 mins

Trayce Jackson-Davis scored 4 points with 1 rebound and 1 assist in 16 minutes, shooting 2-of-6 from the field. He showed some flashes defensively with a block, but his limited production was not enough to shift momentum. Jackson-Davis is still adjusting and finding his role in the rotation because the Warriors will need more inside presence from their big men.

Buddy Hield: D+

Stats: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3-14 FG, 1-9 3-PT FG, 28 mins

Buddy Hield struggled significantly, shooting just 3-of-14 from the field and 1-of-9 from three-point range. Despite grabbing 6 rebounds and adding 2 assists, his poor shooting hurt the Warriors’ offense. Hield’s scoring drought made it tough for the Warriors to keep up, and he’ll need to find his rhythm to be a consistent contributor.

Kyle Anderson: N/A

Stats: 0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 4 mins

Kyle Anderson played just 4 minutes and had minimal impact, recording only 1 rebound. With limited time on the court, it’s difficult to assess his performance fully and we are not sure why Steve Kerr did not play him more considering his size (6’9”) and veteran experience.

Lindy Waters III: N/A

Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 1 min

Lindy Waters III played only 1 minute and did not record any stats, making it impossible to provide an accurate grade for his performance. We might see more from Waters III as the season progresses because his energy can be infectious.

Related: Instant Analysis: 3 Major Takeaways From Clippers Strong Win Over Warriors

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