The Golden State Warriors produced a remarkable comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 112-95 in their Emirates NBA Cup Group Play opener on Friday night, overturning a 23-point first-quarter deficit to secure an emphatic victory at Chase Center.
Golden State recovered from a disastrous opening period to record its third consecutive win in all competitions, extending its recovery after losing its first three games of the 2026-27 NBA regular season.
The victory also delivered a significant place in NBA history, with the Warriors becoming the first team in the shot-clock era, dating back to the 1954-55 season, to recover from a deficit of at least 23 points at the end of the first quarter and draw level or take the lead by half-time.
The Lakers appeared firmly in control during the opening exchanges, racing into a 12-2 advantage within the first three minutes and forcing Warriors coach Steve Kerr to call an early timeout.
However, the intervention did little to change the visitors’ momentum initially, as Luka Dončić dominated proceedings with an outstanding individual performance. The Slovenian guard scored 21 points in the opening quarter, helping Los Angeles establish a commanding 38-15 lead.
Golden State’s early struggles were compounded by 10 turnovers in the first quarter, which allowed the Lakers to collect 17 points from their opponents’ mistakes.
The Warriors responded emphatically in the second period, tightening their defensive organisation and finding greater rhythm in possession. They opened the quarter with a 13-2 run before producing another decisive surge late in the half to erase the deficit and head into the break level at 53-53.
Curry Leads Warriors’ Second-Half Surge
The momentum carried into the second half, although Dončić briefly threatened to restore the Lakers’ advantage. Golden State remained composed and gradually took control, with Stephen Curry providing the attacking inspiration.
Curry finished with 31 points, including eight three-pointers, and delivered several memorable moments against his former Western Conference rivals’ superstar.
One of the night’s standout sequences came midway through the third quarter when Curry faced Dončić in a one-on-one situation. The Warriors guard used a sharp crossover and sidestep to create shooting space, sending Dončić to the floor before calmly converting a three-pointer.
Curry produced another spectacular long-range effort in the fourth quarter, combining a crossover with a behind-the-back dribble before releasing a shot that further strengthened Golden State’s advantage.
His performance complemented the contributions of the Warriors’ supporting cast, particularly their reserves, who proved decisive in turning the contest around.
Golden State’s bench outscored the Lakers’ second unit 50-7, with De’Anthony Melton contributing 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Georges Niang added 11 points.
Brandon Williams and Charles Bassey also provided valuable energy as the Warriors demonstrated the depth that ultimately separated the two teams.
Steve Kerr, Golden Warriors coach, was particularly impressed with the contributions from his substitutes, identifying their impact as central to the victory.
“I thought our bench was really awesome tonight. This was about the bench. Georges and Melt, Brandon (Williams), Charles Bassey. I mean, all of these guys came off the bench and gave us huge energy and helped get us back in the game.”
Steve Kerr, Golden Warriors coach
Dončić’s Explosive Start Fails to Inspire Lakers
Despite his impressive opening quarter, Luka Dončić could not maintain his scoring efficiency as Golden State adjusted defensively.
The Lakers star finished with 37 points, but his influence diminished considerably after the first 12 minutes. Having converted seven of his 12 attempts in the opening quarter, including five three-pointers, he managed just five field goals from 15 attempts over the remaining three periods.
His opening-quarter performance was nevertheless historic. Dončić became the first player in NBA history to record multiple career quarters featuring at least 20 points, five assists and five three-pointers.
The defeat also represented only the third loss in 18 games in which he had scored at least 20 points in the opening quarter.
Golden State’s improved ball security was another decisive factor. After committing 10 turnovers in the first period, the Warriors recorded just five across the remaining three quarters, limiting the Lakers to eight points from those mistakes.
Defensively, they forced 16 turnovers over the final three periods, converting them into 23 points to complete their recovery.
Curry’s scoring, the bench’s outstanding contribution and the team’s defensive improvement ensured the Warriors finished with a comfortable 17-point victory.
The result gives Golden State an encouraging start to West Group C of the Emirates NBA Cup as the Warriors continue their push to build consistency in the early stages of the NBA regular season.
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