Warriors' Jaw-Dropping 25-Point Rally Stuns Rivals, Propels Golden State Back Into Playoff Contention

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors roared back from a 25-point first-quarter hole to stun the Los Angeles Lakers 112-95 in Friday’s NBA Cup group-stage clash at Chase Center, improving to 3-3 on the young 2026-27 season. Stephen Curry Ignites the Rally Stephen Curry poured in 31 points, hit seven three-pointers and dished six assists, outdueling Luka Dončić (37 points) while energizing a sell-out crowd that had fallen silent after L.A.’s lightning-quick 38-15 start. The two-time MVP drilled back-to-back triples late in the second quarter to cut the deficit to single digits, then scored 13 of his points in a decisive 37-15 third-quarter blitz that flipped the scoreboard for good. Perimeter Firepower and Defensive Clamps • Golden State finished 22-for-46 (48 %) from deep, with rookie Brandin Podziemski adding a career-best 23 points on 6-for-11 three-point shooting. • Draymond Green controlled the paint with nine assists, a game-high plus-26 rating and a pair of momentum-shifting blocks. • The Warriors’ switch-heavy defense held the Lakers to 28 % from beyond the arc after halftime while forcing 22 turnovers overall. NBA Cup Stakes The win moves Golden State to 1-1 in West Group C play, keeping the franchise firmly in contention for December’s knockout rounds. The Lakers drop to 2-1 but still top the mini-table on point differential. Each Cup game also counts toward the regular-season standings, a wrinkle that could loom large in the crowded Pacific Division race. What’s Next for the Warriors Coach Steve Kerr’s squad has little time to celebrate; the team travels to Phoenix for a Halloween showdown with Kevin Durant’s Suns on Monday before returning home to face the Sacramento Kings next Wednesday. With Curry firing, Green anchoring the defense and youngsters like Podziemski earning Kerr’s trust, the Warriors suddenly look like a dangerous mix of championship pedigree and fresh legs. Key Takeaways for Fans and Fantasy Managers 1. Curry’s usage rate climbed above 32 % in Cup games; expect elevated scoring opportunities whenever seeding is on the line. 2. Podziemski’s sharpshooting and secondary playmaking make him a waiver-wire gem in deep leagues. 3. Golden State’s small-ball lineup featuring Green at center held the Lakers to just 57 points over the final three quarters—evidence that the Warriors can still flip the defensive switch against elite offenses. Bottom Line The Warriors’ vintage comeback, fueled by Curry’s long-range heroics and timely stops, reignites buzz around a franchise chasing its first NBA Cup and seeking another deep postseason run. With momentum restored and divisional bragging rights secured, Golden State marches on—war-ready once again in the wild Western Conference.