Warriors

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Warriors (骑勇)
Alias(es)	Golden State Warriors; “Cosmic Warriors”; “Cosmic Battleship” 13 66
Affiliation	NBA
Occupation/Role	Professional basketball team
Head Coach	Steve Kerr 186
Home Arena(s)	Oracle Arena during the earlier seasons; Chase Center in the later seasons 81 1313
Status	Active; defending NBA champions competing in the playoffs with the Leonard-era roster 1313 1430 1500
First Appearance	Chapter 2; first major team introduction in Chapter 13 2 13

Team Identity & Playing Style

Durant-era “Cosmic Warriors”

The Warriors became a league-defining superteam after using the increased salary cap and Stephen Curry’s team-friendly contract to sign Kevin Durant. Their core paired Curry, Klay Thompson, Durant, and Draymond Green with veteran contributors Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. 13

• Offense
  • Relied on three elite shooters, Green’s point-forward playmaking, and Durant’s positionless scoring as a fallback option. 14
  • Used Curry-Green pick-and-rolls, off-ball screens, rapid passing, and perimeter spacing to generate open shots. 14 543
  • Employed coordinated screening actions such as the elevator-door play to free Curry for three-pointers. 14
  • Livingston’s post scoring and Iguodala’s cutting helped the reserve units maintain pressure while Golden State targeted weak opposing defenders. 82
• Defense
  • Built around Green’s ability to guard all five positions, with Thompson and Durant supplying high-level wing defense. 14
  • Frequently hid Curry on the opponent’s least threatening isolation scorer. 14 344
  • Could replace Pachulia with JaVale McGee to extend help coverage and disrupt opponents’ mid-range pick-and-roll attacks. 88
• Small ball
  • Steve Kerr regularly deployed five-small lineups to maximize speed, shooting, switching, and transition pressure. 186 929
  • These lineups involved trade-offs: moving Green to center could reduce his help-defense impact against an elite interior scorer such as Anthony Davis. 312

Post-Durant Core

After Durant’s departure, the Warriors remained centered on Curry, Thompson, and Green. Andrew Wiggins became their primary wing replacement, while Jordan Poole developed into a major secondary scorer. 417 543 545

• Curry’s shooting gravity creates openings for Thompson, Wiggins, Poole, and Green’s passing game. 543 1191
• Green remains the defensive organizer, transition initiator, screen-setter, and key playmaker. 547 1195
• The team’s smaller lineups can struggle against size, interior scoring, and defensive rebounding. 454 545 547
• Wiggins remained a major two-way contributor through the championship run and title-defense period before being traded to acquire Kawhi Leonard. 1167 1313 1430
• Acquiring Wiggins in exchange for D’Angelo Russell restored the roster’s wing balance and strengthened its perimeter defense. His athleticism made it harder for opponents to isolate Curry through repeated switches. 543 616
• Kerr developed a three-guard small-ball lineup featuring Curry, Poole, and Thompson alongside Wiggins and Green. Its additional ball handling improved passing, cutting, and transition offense, but playing Curry and Poole together weakened the switching and trapping options available to earlier Warriors lineups. 546 547
• Thompson and Green could sustain the offense through their own pick-and-roll partnership when opponents concentrated on Curry, with Wiggins acting as a secondary support point or finisher. 1190
• During the Finals against Brooklyn, Golden State’s disciplined wing rotations supported sustained double-teams on Harden, forcing Durant and Paul George to take on more isolation and ball-handling responsibilities. 1194 1197

Kawhi Leonard Rebuild

Seeking to extend its championship window, Golden State traded for Kawhi Leonard and restored a four-star nucleus of Curry, Thompson, Green, and Leonard. The prospective group combines elite shooting and spacing with high-level wing and help defense, giving the franchise a new superteam framework after the Durant era. 1430

• Leonard provides a premier two-way small forward and a higher-end replacement for Wiggins on the wing. 1430
• The Warriors subsequently added Robert Covington and Dean Wade as forward depth behind Leonard and Green, in part accounting for Leonard’s injury concerns. 1431
• The retooling reflects management’s attempt to remain a title favorite amid competition from teams such as the Knicks, Nets, Thunder, Suns, and Timberwolves. 1430 1431
• The healthy rebuilt team demonstrated its strength against Minnesota in the playoffs, maintaining control against a defensive rotation featuring Victor Oladipo, Anthony Edwards, Alex Caruso, Jaden McDaniels, and Jarrett Allen. 1500
• Minnesota’s third-quarter full-court press failed to disrupt Golden State’s offense; the Warriors instead exploited it with consecutive quick transition attacks that extended their advantage. 1500

Roster Evolution

Era	Key Personnel	Notes
Durant superteam	Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Zaza Pachulia; Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston off the bench	The original “Cosmic Warriors” roster featured four All-Stars in its starting group. 13
Curry injury playoff lineup	Nick Young, Thompson, Durant, Iguodala, Green	Kerr opened a Thunder playoff series with this five-small unit while Curry was unavailable. 186
Five-star period	Curry, Thompson, Durant, Green, Kevon Looney; DeMarcus Cousins added	Cousins’ injury and later difficulty integrating limited the intended five-star lineup. 237 312
Injury-depleted Western Conference Finals	Curry, Thompson, Jonas Jerebko, Iguodala, Looney	A depleted forward rotation forced Jerebko into the starting lineup for Game 6, while Livingston remained a crucial reserve. 347 348
Post-Durant core	Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Green, Looney; Poole as a key scorer	The team remained competitive despite losing Durant, but lacked the old roster’s forward depth and bench quality. 417 454 543
New “Death Lineup”	Curry, Poole, Thompson, Wiggins, Green	The three-guard configuration emphasized pace and offensive fluidity while sacrificing interior size and defensive flexibility. 546 547
Defending champions	Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis	Jackson-Davis replaced Looney as the starting center by the following title-defense season. 1313
Kawhi Leonard retool	Curry, Thompson, Leonard, Green; Covington and Dean Wade as forward reserves	The Warriors sent Wiggins, Bones Hyland, and two future first-round picks to Miami for Leonard, then traded Donte DiVincenzo to New Orleans for Covington and Wade. 1430 1431
Leonard-era playoff campaign	Curry, Thompson, Green, and the rebuilt roster	The healthy Warriors controlled their opening playoff matchup against Minnesota, with consistent production from their established core. 1500

History

Formation and first championship

The Warriors’ salary-cap advantage enabled them to add Durant to an already elite Curry-Thompson-Green foundation. Before the season began, the media considered the championship effectively predetermined because of the roster’s overwhelming talent. 13

Durant joined on a two-year, $54.3 million contract after Golden State’s previous 73–9 season. His departure left Oklahoma City without trade compensation and established the personal stakes of the Warriors’ rivalry with Westbrook’s Thunder. 2

Golden State finished the regular season at a league-best 67–15, six games ahead of the Spurs and eight ahead of the Thunder. 66 They then defeated the Cavaliers 4–1 in the Finals, with Durant receiving Finals MVP honors. 94

The organization subsequently retained Curry, Iguodala, and Livingston, preserving the championship roster rather than relying on major new additions. Maintaining those established contributors was presented as its most important offseason achievement. 113

Thunder rivalry and playoff setbacks

The Warriors’ rivalry with the Oklahoma City Thunder became one of the novel’s recurring matchups, shaped by Curry versus Russell Westbrook, Thompson versus Chen Xi, and Durant’s history with Oklahoma City. 81

In their first depicted Western Conference Finals meeting, Golden State won Game 1 by a score of 124–110. Its motion offense and strong reserve units repeatedly stretched Oklahoma City’s defense, while Durant answered Westbrook’s scoring runs. 82 Kerr later started McGee and increased Iguodala’s minutes, helping the Warriors win Game 3, 117–99. 88

In the following postseason, the Warriors defeated the Pelicans 4–1 without Curry before meeting Oklahoma City in the second round. Kerr opened the series with a five-small lineup, but Golden State lost both games at Oracle Arena and fell behind 0–2. 186 190

With Curry returning early from injury, Golden State recovered from a 3–1 series deficit against the Thunder and forced a deciding Game 7. The comeback ultimately fell short: Oklahoma City won the series, leaving Curry and Durant to congratulate Chen Xi after elimination. 191 200 205 334

In a later Western Conference Finals, injuries and fatigue caught up with the team. Durant suffered a right calf strain in Game 3, which Golden State lost 130–123, falling behind 2–1. 342 Thompson was injured in double overtime of Game 6, and the Thunder eliminated the Warriors 4–2. Curry and Thompson combined for 84 points in the deciding loss, but Golden State lacked sufficient support against Westbrook’s 53-point triple-double. 348

The rivalry continued after Durant’s departure. In a subsequent playoff meeting, the Warriors lost Game 1 by a score of 136–102 despite Curry recording 36 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. The defeat highlighted Oklahoma City’s stronger supporting cast and Golden State’s roster imbalance. 452 454

During the 2021–22 postseason, Golden State again faced elimination against Oklahoma City after falling behind 0–3. The Splash Brothers helped the Warriors win Game 4 and avoid a sweep. 940

Durant’s departure

Internal tension between Green and Durant became public after Green refused to pass Durant the ball in a crucial possession and responded to Durant’s complaint with hostility. The conflict, combined with their contract situations, damaged the team’s chemistry. 253

The dispute occurred on November 13. Golden State suspended Green internally for one game, but the punishment did not resolve the underlying resentment. During Curry’s absence with a groin injury, the Warriors went 2–5 and fell to seventh in the Western Conference. They subsequently lost 113–99 to Oklahoma City with Green also unavailable, receiving no double-digit scoring contributions beyond Durant and Thompson. 253

Durant ultimately left Golden State for the Brooklyn Nets. The Warriors received D’Angelo Russell, Shabazz Napier, Treveon Graham, and two second-round picks, then made additional trades to relieve salary pressure. 368

Despite the earlier conflict, the separation was described as generally amicable, and the Warriors’ official account posted a farewell message to Durant. 373

Return to championship contention

Despite Durant’s departure, Curry, Thompson, and Green kept Golden State competitive. The team held fifth place in the Western Conference during the following season, exceeding many fans’ expectations. 417

Trading Russell for Wiggins subsequently helped restore the team’s form. By February 10 of a later season, Golden State had climbed to fourth in the West on a six-game winning streak, while Curry averaged 33.5 points per game, second only to Chen Xi. Poole’s improvement as a second-year reserve provided another important source of offense. 543 545

During the eventual 2022–23 championship campaign, Golden State eliminated Denver to reach another Western Conference Finals. Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Green, and Poole all supplied substantial production in the deciding victory despite Jokic’s 37 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. 1184

Against the post-Chen Xi Thunder, Golden State emphasized wearing down Davis and used the Thompson-Wiggins-Green defensive group to restrict Alexander and Westbrook. Curry led the Warriors to a 123–117 victory in Game 1. 1186 1187

The Warriors later reached the Finals against Durant’s Nets. After falling behind early in the series, Kerr’s defensive adjustments—particularly high-intensity doubles on James Harden—helped Golden State turn the matchup around. 1193 1194

Brooklyn won the first two games, 125–122 and 129–113. Wiggins and Poole contributed effectively, but inconsistent shooting from Curry and Thompson prevented Golden State from capitalizing on its opportunities. 1193

Golden State ultimately won the 2022–23 NBA Championship in a Game 7 victory over Brooklyn. Curry was named Finals MVP after averaging 32.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in the series. 1200

Title-defense campaign

Management retained most of the championship roster despite considerable salary pressure. The combined future salaries of Curry, Thompson, Green, and Poole were expected to exceed the second apron, making the season an urgent opportunity to contend with the existing group. 1313

Jackson-Davis replaced Looney as the starting center. During the November 28 home matchup against the Knicks, the Splash Brothers combined for 40 first-half points and nine three-pointers, helping Golden State control the early contest. 1313 1319

Later in the campaign, the Warriors stood at 18–6 through 24 games, ranking third in the Western Conference and fifth overall. Curry averaged 27.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game at that stage. 1372

Leonard acquisition

During the trade deadline, Golden State made an aggressive move to revive its superteam model. The Warriors traded Andrew Wiggins, Bones Hyland, an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, and a lottery-protected 2027 first-round pick to the Miami Heat for Kawhi Leonard. 1430

The deal was completed on February 8. Golden State viewed Leonard as a substantial upgrade over even championship-proven Wiggins and an opportunity to rebuild a four-star contender. Miami accepted the package to recover valuable assets from a player it could no longer retain. 1430

The organization followed that deal by sending Donte DiVincenzo to the New Orleans Pelicans for Robert Covington and Dean Wade. Covington and Wade were acquired to reinforce the forward rotation behind Leonard and Green, particularly given Leonard’s durability concerns. 1431

Leonard-era playoffs

The rebuilt Warriors opened their playoff campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Golden State maintained control throughout the depicted opening game despite Minnesota’s strong defensive personnel, demonstrating greater healthy-roster strength than many fans had anticipated. 1500

Curry recorded 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists; Thompson added 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal; and Green contributed 8 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal. Their steady production reflected a game in which the established core encountered few disruptions. 1500

Minnesota attempted to change the game with a third-quarter full-court press, but the Warriors punished the pressure with quick transition attacks and extended their lead. The matchup was framed as a major test and developmental opportunity for Edwards against an exceptionally strong opponent. 1500

Championships & Major Results

Achievement	Result	Notes
Regular-season dominance	67–15 record	Finished first in the league during the Durant-era season. 66
NBA Championship	Defeated the Cavaliers 4–1	Durant won Finals MVP. 94
Curry-less first-round advancement	Defeated the Pelicans 4–1	Thompson and Green helped secure the series while Curry remained sidelined. 186
Thunder playoff comeback attempt	Forced Game 7 after trailing 1–3, but lost the series	Curry returned early as Golden State kept its season alive before Oklahoma City ultimately eliminated the Warriors. 191 200 205 334
Later Western Conference Finals defeat	Lost to the Thunder 2–4	Durant’s absence and Thompson’s Game 6 injury contributed to the injury-depleted exit. 342 348
2021–22 elimination-game survival	Won Game 4 against the Thunder after trailing 0–3	Curry and Thompson’s shooting helped Golden State avoid a sweep. 940
2022–23 NBA Championship	Defeated the Nets in Game 7	Curry won his first Finals MVP. 1200
Title defense	Entered the following season as defending champions	The franchise displayed six championship banners at Chase Center. 1313
Title-defense regular-season standing	18–6 through 24 games	Ranked third in the West and fifth in the league at that point. 1372
Leonard-era playoff opening	Controlled the opening matchup against Minnesota	Consistent core production and effective transition attacks overcame the Timberwolves’ defensive pressure. 1500

Rivalries

• Oklahoma City Thunder — Golden State’s most persistent Western Conference rival; the teams repeatedly meet in high-stakes regular-season and playoff games. 81 186 334 1186
• Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook — Their clashes are framed as a battle for Western Conference point-guard supremacy. Despite their competitive rivalry, they also share friendly off-court interactions. 81 546
• Klay Thompson and Chen Xi — Long-running wing matchup; Thompson recognizes Chen Xi’s rapid improvement from their repeated defensive assignments. 418
• Brooklyn Nets — Durant’s post-Warriors team and Golden State’s opponent in the 2022–23 Finals. 1193 1200
• New York Knicks — A major matchup during Golden State’s title-defense campaign, featuring Curry against Chen Xi’s Knicks. Their games attract considerable nationwide attention as clashes between two highly popular teams and MVP-level stars. 1313 1314 1372
• Miami Heat — The Heat became Golden State’s trade counterpart in the deal that sent Leonard to the Warriors and Wiggins to Miami. 1430
• Denver Nuggets — A recurring playoff opponent led by Jokic; Golden State eliminated Denver on its route to the 2022–23 Western Conference Finals. 1167 1173 1184
• Minnesota Timberwolves — A recurring playoff opponent whose size and athletic personnel challenge Golden State’s smaller configurations. The teams met in a Game 7 during an earlier postseason and again after the Leonard acquisition. 898 1500

Notable Quote

“We were champions before you got here!” — Draymond Green to Kevin Durant 253

Trivia

• The Warriors signed Curry to a five-year, $207 million extension, securing his future with the franchise. 745
• Green later re-signed for four years and $100 million after the 2022–23 championship. 1205
• By the title-defense season, Curry, Thompson, Green, and Poole’s combined salaries were projected to push the team beyond the second apron. 1313
• The Leonard trade cost Golden State two future first-round picks: an unprotected 2026 selection and a lottery-protected 2027 selection. 1430
• The Warriors acquired Covington and Dean Wade shortly after landing Leonard to give their forward group additional depth. 1431
• Curry is explicitly described as the greatest player in Warriors history, with three championships, two regular-season MVP awards, and one Finals MVP by the title-defense campaign. 1314
• Chen Xi and Curry maintain a friendly relationship despite their repeated competitive encounters. Chen later stayed overnight at Curry’s home after a game, discussing basketball, business, golf, and other aspects of life. 113 829
• Kerr repeatedly recognizes Chen Xi’s rapid development and at one point wonders what it would be like to coach him instead of facing him. 115 240

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