For the first time since their 2025-26 season came to an end with a loss in the second leg of the postseason play-in tournament, the Golden State Warriors suited back up on the court together. This time, in Hawaii against the Los Angeles Clippers to mark the start of the 2026 NBA preseason.
In a contest where 18 players received minutes for Steve Kerr's squad, the Warriors jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg setting the tone shortly after tip off with an opening 3-pointer. However, in the second quarter, the Clippers ran out to a double-figure lead behind Darius Garland and Rui Hachimura.
Yaxel kicks off the preseason with a corner 3 👌 pic.twitter.com/PfjYhVycOh
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 4, 2026
Despite the Clippers leading by as many
as 13 points, the Warriors battled back, cutting the Los Angeles lead down to only four heading into the fourth and final frame. Malevy Leones helped the Warriors push for a comeback victory with eight points in the fourth quarter. While the Warriors were able to take the lead with under 30 seconds remaining on the clock, rookie Keaton Wagler buried a jumper that swung the game back into the Clippers favor. Behind 15 points from the top draft pick out of Illinois, the Clippers were able to fend off the Warriors' comeback attempt, 104-101, securing a win in Hawaii to start the preseason.
Four different players scored in double-figures for the Warriors, including Stephen Curry. In only 13 minutes, Curry tallied 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting with a pair of made 3-pointers to go along with two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Steph making it rain in Hawaii 💦 pic.twitter.com/XQP6lgensM
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 4, 2026
Veteran big man Charles Bassey led the Warriors with 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field with eight boards in 16 minutes. Bassey finished with a near double-double, recording eight boards against the Clippers.
New Warrior Brandon Williams and rookie Graham Ike each added 11 points off the bench on Sunday evening.
In his first preseason game, Lendeborg finished with four points on 1-of-6 shooting from the field with nine rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes against the Clippers. While Lendeborg struggled to score, he led the Warriors in rebounding with nine.
Watch highlights from Golden State's preseason opener here via YouTube:
After spending trianing camp in Hawaii, the Warriors will now return to the Bay Area to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PT at Chase Center.
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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors' comeback falls short in preseason opener vs. Clippers in Hawaii
