On a high note, the Golden State Warriors started their 2025-26 preseason, securing a 111-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on October 5. While the final score might suggest a routine win for the Warriors, the real story unfolded in the on-court connection between the team’s established superstar and its newest veteran presence.
All eyes were on veteran big man Al Horford, a key offseason acquisition, and his immediate impact was felt far beyond his three-point contribution. Stephen Curry’s postgame praise for Horford confirmed what fans saw: something new is brewing in Golden State.
How Is Al Horford Already Elevating the Warriors’ Offense?
Curry couldn’t hide his excitement during the postgame interview after the Sunday night victory. He praised Horford’s extensive experience and explained how it lifted the Warriors’ squad dynamics immediately.
“Obviously, a high IQ, experienced, championship caliber player that can fit with any lineup out there. He gives us space, he gives us presence on the defensive end. You saw the pass he made to me out of the corner,” Curry said. “So the give-and-go was just how our unspoken chemistry will continue to get better. But he is multidimensional as a five man, and I’m excited to see what that looks like for me, Jimmy, JK, Draymond, like any lineup, he could go out there and be the five,” said Curry during the postgame interview.
That promising chemistry was on full display early in the game. During a sequence in the opening quarter, the potential of this new partnership became clear. With just over seven minutes remaining, guard Brandin Podziemski slipped a sharp pass to Curry on the wing.
Curry drew a defender before dishing the ball to Horford, who was cutting inside. The 39-year-old center pulled the Lakers’ defense toward him before firing a clean pass right back to a waiting Curry.
In one smooth, rhythmic motion, Curry banked in a mid-range jumper off the glass, putting the Warriors ahead 15-13. It wasn’t just another basket but a glimpse of an instinctive and almost rehearsed connection that could define the team’s offense this season.
Steph Curry specifically mentioned this give-and-go with Al Horford as “unspoken chemistry that’ll continue to get better.”
Here’s the clip and Curry’s full soundbite on the Horford addition postgame tonight pic.twitter.com/dmrstiwNPZ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 6, 2025
Looking at the game, the Warriors maintained control from the outset. They ended the first quarter up by one point and stretched that advantage to seven by halftime. Golden State’s offensive precision was on full display by the third quarter, helping them build their largest lead of the game at 24 points.
Although the Lakers mounted a brief push in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Warriors’ early dominance. The team seemed energized by Horford’s smart play and Curry’s steady leadership.
Now, as the Golden State gears up for its next preseason clash on October 8 against the Portland Trail Blazers, fans will be eager to see this new connection in action once again.
