Warriors Rally from 23 Down to Beat Lakers in Emirates NBA Cup Opener

On October 30, 2026, the Golden State Warriors staged a remarkable turnaround against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center, overcoming a 23-point first-quarter deficit to win 112-95 in the opening game of the Emirates NBA Cup Group Play. This comeback was historic, as no team in the shot-clock era had ever trailed by such a margin after the first quarter and then tied or led by halftime.

The Warriors' early struggles were stark. By the end of the first quarter, Los Angeles had scored 38 points, fueled by Luka Dončić's 21-point explosion, including five three-pointers. The Warriors had committed multiple turnovers, giving up 17 points off turnovers while scoring only 15 themselves. Coach Steve Kerr called an early timeout but refrained from harsh criticism, trusting his players to respond.

The second quarter saw a complete shift in momentum. Golden State tightened its defense and improved ball security, committing just five turnovers for the rest of the game compared to ten in the first quarter. The Warriors executed two significant runs, including a 16-2 stretch to close the half tied at 53. Their bench players, notably De’Anthony Melton and Georges Niang, contributed heavily with efficient shooting, helping the Warriors outscore the Lakers from beyond the arc 22 to 11 overall.

Steph Curry was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 31 points with eight three-pointers. His blend of dazzling handles and precise shooting energized the Chase Center crowd and swung the game's momentum firmly in Golden State's favor. One highlight included a crossover and sidestep move that left Dončić on the floor before Curry drained a three-pointer, igniting a decisive run.

Despite Dončić's historic 37-point effort, shooting 7-for-12 and 5-for-9 from three in the first quarter, the remainder of the game saw him struggle, hitting only 5 of 15 shots and 1 of 7 from deep. The Warriors' defense forced 16 turnovers in the final three quarters, converting them into 23 points, which proved critical in securing the victory.

This win marked Golden State's third consecutive victory following a 0-3 season start, illustrating their resilience and depth. It also kicked off a demanding four-day stretch of games at Chase Center, with the Warriors scheduled to face the Clippers and Suns in the coming days. The comeback sets a confident tone for the team as they navigate this intense schedule.