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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

WWE CROWN JEWEL PERTH
OCTOBER 11, 2025
PERTH, AUSTRALIA
STREAMED LIVE ON ESPN (U.S.) & NETFLIX (Internationally)
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR

Commentators: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett

Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor

-They opened with the video of the transport of the Crown Jewel Title belts from Saudi Arabia to Australia.

-Michael Cole introduced the show as they aired footage of wrestlers arriving including Bronson Reed & Paul Heyman, Cody Rhodes, Stephanie Vaquer, A.J. Styles, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky.

-Rhea Ripley narrated an introductory video for the event touting the international popularity of WWE with footage of the various countries WWE has visited.

-Pyro blasted in the arena. Cole touted the attendance of 13,683.

(1) ROMAN REIGNS vs. BRONSON REED (w/Paul Heyman) – Australian Street Fight

Reed and Heyman made their entrance. Cole said for Reed, this is a dream come true to compete in his home country. Fans sang “Roman… Roman Reigns!” as soon as Reed’s music stopped. Cole said Reigns told Pat McAfee that they were going to go head-to-head into the wall “Goldberg-style.” Cole talked about Reigns’s long title reign and said he headlined ten WrestleManias, more than anyone.

The bell rang and they had a staredown to start. Fans chanted, “OTC!” Reigns got the better of the opening slugfest He clotheslined Reed over the top rope to the floor. Heyman walked swiftly away from Reigns after Reigns dropped to ringside. Reigns then hit the Driveby. They went into a walk-n-brawl in the crowd. Reigns used a cricket bat against Reed, which the fans loved. Back in the ring, Reigns bashed Reed across his ribs with the cricket bat.

Reigns played to the crowd at ringside with Reed at ringside. Reed recovered and went on the attack. Cole said Reigns celebrated too long. Barrett agreed. Cole talked about Reed’s history on the Australia indy circuit before he went to the U.K. and Japan and made a name for himself. Reigns soon fired back with a kendo stick attack. Reed strutted and twirled the stick before bashing Reed across his chest with the stick. Cole noted Reigns was enjoying himself while it appeared Heyman was on the verge of a heart attack.

Reigns grabbed the house mic, he said, “Perth, if you want tables, acknowledge me!” Fans chnated “OTC!” Reigns stomped on Reed and then pulled a table out from under the ring. He threw a cricket ball toward Heyman through the ropes, but the ball hit the ropes. Reed recovered during that time and threw Reigns into the ringside steps. Fans booed. Reed then slide the table back under the ring. (I love when a heel is looking for actual heel heat and refuse to use the ladder, since the ladder is such a babyface spot.) Reed picked up the top of the ringside steps and charged at Reigns and bashed him in the head with it twice.

Reed continued the attack at ringside and back in the ring, including bashing Reigns with a chair. He wedged a chair in the corner. Reigns made a comeback a minute later by countering Reed and driving him through a chair behind him with a Samoan drop. Both were down and slow to get up.

Reigns bashed Reed with a barrage of forearms against the ropes. Cole said it’s the most intense and active he’s seen Reigns in months. Reigns landed a flying clothesline. When he went for a second clothesline, Reed caught him and then landed a sudden Jagged Edge for a two count. Reed bashed Reigns with a stop sign next. Reigns resisted, but Reed pulled off a uranage onto the sign.

Reed went for a senton, but Reigns moved and avoided it. Both were down and slow to get up. Reigns hit a Superman Punch for a two count. When Reigns signaled for a spear, Reed rolled to ringside. Reigns ran around the ring, but Bron Breakker showed up from the crowd and speared Reigns. Barrett said it’s legal in this match. Cole said he was wondering when Breakker was going to show up. Barrett said, “The dogs are loose and running wild.” Breakker and Reed powerbombed Reigns through the table at ringside.

Reed set up a table in the ring and leaned it in the corner. Breakker began to drag Reigns back to the ring when the Usos’ music played. They came out to more than even the odds. They superkicked Breakker in the aisle as he charged at them. They went after Reed in the ring next including stereo superkicks and then stereo hip attacks. Fans stood and cheered. They gave a 1D to Breakker.

Breakker recovered and pressed Jey over his head and then dropped him over his knees. Barrett was amazed that Breakker was fine after taking a 1D a minute ago. He said he had amazing powers of regeneration and now was “fresh as a daisy.” Breakker then ran around ringside and speared Jimmy into the ringside barricade. Fans barked and then chanted “Holy shit!”

Reed recovered and then climbed to the top rope and set up a Tsunami on Jey. Reigns intervened and gave Reed a Superman Punch. He played to the crowd. He fended off Breakker on the ring apron. Reed then recovered and lifted Reigns. Jey Uso went for a spear on Reed, but Reigns escaped first and Jey ended up spearing Reigns inadvertently through a table. Cole called it “a miscommunication,” which wasn’t quite the right word for it. Jey looked panicked as he realized what he did. Breakker then speared Jey. Barrett said that’s why Reigns said he didn’t want the Usos out there. Breakker dragged Reigns into position and then Reed landed his Tsunami for the win. Cole called it the biggest win in Reed’s career.

As they replayed the closing sequence, Cole noted again that Reigns had said he didn’t want the Usos involved in his business.

WINNER: Reed in 21:00.

-As Reigns and the Usos sat up, Reigns looked at the Usos. “What did I tell you?” Reigns angrily said. “The whole world thinks I can’t do shit on my own. I told you I’d do this on nmy own.” Jimmy said, “We just wanted to be there for you.” Reigns said, “This ain’t the old times, man. This only works one way.” He told them he loves them, but he doesn’t want to see them until Christmas. Jey lectured Jimmy afterward and stomped away frustrated and dismayed as Jimmy watched from the ring.

(Keller’s Analysis: It’s good to see Reed wasn’t booked to lose, as that was the easy way out to have the bigger star overcome the odds and win over the lesser member of The Vision. That said, there are some absurd and mitigating aspects to this, although they won’t matter much because of how WWE is good at framing things exactly how they want fans to perceive things. But the rules of the match themselves where anyone can interfere makes everything that happened before it feel relatively meaningless. If winning is important, and if winning “counts” if you have help, why wait 16 minutes before interfering? Also, Reigns feels more stubborn than sympathetic when he gets mad at the Usos for trying to offset a two-on-one attack, especially when clearly the reason it backfired was due to an obviously inadvertent spear. That said, the storytelling here matters more than the logic because the backstory and execution of the latest developments is done so well. I’m still not entirely sure where this all is going and where it lands, but I hope they don’t damage or destroy the fans positive feels for three babyfaces in the process through the in-fighting.)

-Cole thanked Green Day for the song “One-Eyed Bastard.” (Grammar Nerd Moment: “One Eyed Bastard” without the hyphen, as Green Day actually spells it, indicates there’s “one bastard who is ‘eyed,’ indicating one bastard in particular has at least one eye” But with the properly-included hyphen for the compound adjective, it indicates there’s “a bastard with one eye,” which is clearly what they meant. Don’t get me started on Oasis’s album, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.” They tried to say the singular of “giant” was intentional, but I never bought it.)

(2) STEPHANIE VAQUER vs. TIFFANY STRATTON – Crown Jewel Championship match

Cole said this match was for the Crown Jewel Championship “and bragging rights for the next year.” Barrett noted that Tiffany has proven herself over the last year against a variety of opponents, and Vaquer has to do that now if she wants to build similar stature. Barrett said Tiffany has more experience in WWE at this level and she might be the best athlete of anyone in WWE. “Quite simply, nobody can match her,” he said. Cole said Vaquer “has it all and can fight with the best of them.” He said she’s crafty and can grapple and fly when she wants to. Barrett said the unknown about Vaquer is a big advantage. “Does she still have tricks up her sleeve she can surprise Stratton with?” Barrett asked. Cole said his answer is yes because she has been successful all over the world. Cole noted that Tiffany stepped into a wrestling ring for the first time just four years ago.

Tiffany avoided a charging Vaquer a few minutes in. Vaquer stayed in control, though. She applied an abdominal stretch. Tiffany punched out of it. Tiffany then landed a back suplex. Both were down and slow to get up. Tiffany landed an Alabama Slam out of a cartwheel. Vaquer took over and took Tiffany down with a Dragon Screw. She climbed to the top rope seconds later, but Tiffany shoved her down. Vaquer followed with a springboard into the ring, but her knee gave out. Tiffany then delivered a suplex into a backbreaker for a two count. Fans applauded, a sign of appreciation from the fans for the action thus far.

Vaquer made a comeback with a suplex and yanked her up by her hair. Fans cheered, anticipating a Devil’s Kiss. Tiffany rolled up Vaquer to avoid a Devil’s Kiss. Cole said Tiffany seemed really crisp. He said she told her she felt she had something massive to prove. Tiffany leaped off the top rope with a flip senton, but Vaquer lifted her knees. She then delivered Devil’s Kiss. Barrett said he kept his eyes closed for that one and has no comment. Cole said he got in trouble last time. Tiffany went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Vaquer moved. She then landed her corkscrew splash for the clean win.

WINNER: Vaquer in 10:00 to become the Crown Jewel Champion.

-Paul Levesque put the belt on her and raised her arm and hugged her. Fans chanted, “You deserve it!” She teared up and said they made history together tonight. Fans cheered. She said the belt is beautiful and represents the motivation and love fans have given her. She said she followed her dream. “You believed in me, so now I believe in me,” she said.

(Keller’s Analysis: Good match. Short, so therefore not epic. But if that’s a teaser for future battles, that’s a good sign. It was nice at this stage having the fans cheering both, if if they turn Tiffany heel at some point, the match will take on something extra next time.)

-Backstage, Heyman congratulated Reed. “Tribal Thief over Tribal Chief,” he said. He said when people talk about the vision of the future of the industry, they’ll talk about both of them. Heyman was about to walk away, but then stopped and said if at some point in the main event, if Seth flails his arms toward the locker room and begs for them to help him, don’t do it. He said it ‘s a meritocracy and they need to find out who is better between Seth and Cody. He said he’ll start making preparations for a victory party. Heyman left. Breakker asked Reed what happens if Cody wins. Heyman heard that and said, “I think you both know the answer to that.”

(Keller’s Analysis: They’re doing a good job playing up the idea of Seth losing and there being a big fallout as a result, which adds uncertainty to the outcome.) [c]

(3) JOHN CENA vs. A.J. STYLES

Styles got a nice reception. Cena got a huge pop. Cole noted this is one of just five dates left for Cena. Taylor introduced Cena as “the greatest of all-time” and “the last real champion.” (This is just so selfish of Cena and counterproductive of WWE; that was a line designed to get heel heat for a villain who wanted to break the lineage of the WWE Title and claim all future champions are invalid, and Cena turned babyface and they’re still going with that line? I’m just baffled by this decision.) Cena handed Taylor a piece of paper with a note on it. Fans chanted, “Thank you, Cena!” It looked like a Nashville Predators’ crowd with all the yellow Cena t-shirts in the crowd. Taylor then read a gracious introduction for Styles that Cena presumably wrote that included calling him “the definition of total non-stop action” and “the ace and undisputed boss of The Bullet Club” and “the ace that runs the place.” Styles smiled and nodded. Cole said every athlete wants to end their career on their terms and that’s what Cena is doing. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Barrett said Cena wanted to test himself against the very best rather than be a nostalgia act.

Styles opened with a side headlock. Cole talked about their history against each other in WWE. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Styles got the better of an early exchanged and played to the crowd. Fans chanted, “TNA! TNA!” Styles broke clean in the corner. Fans chanted, “Fight forever!” Barrett said Cena doesn’t want to close out his Hall of Fame career on a losing streak. Cena went for a sudden Attitude Adjustment, but Styles slipped free and took over. Cena rolled to the corner of the ring after kickout at two. Styles hit a flying clothesline in the corner and then a flying forearm for another two count. Barrett said Styles has dominated early “just like the Brock Lesnar match.” He said maybe Cena has hit a wall in his career. (This early framing kind of gave away that Cena was going to win.)

Cena made a comeback and signaled for the You Can’t See Me routine, but Styles upkicked him. Cena one-armed slammed Styles seconds later, though, and did his You Can’t See Me and Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment for a two count. (As much as fans were cheering Cena, they didn’t want to see the match end that early.) Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Styles dropped Cena out of a fisherman’s buster onto his knee. Cena countered Styles’ next move into a Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall. Barrett and Cole noted Miz was upset on social media about not having a match against Cena.

Styles put Cena in a torture rack and then slammed him down for a two count. Styles landed a Scorpion Death Drop for a two count. Cena wiggled his fingers and winced. Styles set up a Styles Clash, but Cena slipped out and applied an STFU. Styles slipped out seconds later and applied a crossface. (Man, did Styles’s application look better than Cena’s.) Cena escaped and applied an Accolade. Fans chanted, “Rusev Day!” He shifted into a Coquina Clutch. Styles then applied a Walls of Jericho. A “Y2J! Y2J!” chant rang out. Styles escaped and rolled Cena into a Calf Crusher. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Barrett said, “This is the greatest hits of professional wrestling.” Cena shifted into an STF. Styles kicked out and delivered a Styles Clash and then shifted to a pin attempt for a two count. Both were down and slow to get up as fans chanted, “Fight forever!” Barrett said they’re both in agony and want to win, not fight forever.

Styles was first to his feet and signaled for a Phenomenal Forearm. Styles caught him and gave Styles a kiss on the forehead and a Sister Abigail for a two count. Fans pulled out the phone flashlights. Cena sat up and looked around and nodded. Cole said Cena had a great relationship with Bray Wyatt “as he was coming up in the system.” Fans chanted, “Thank you, Wyatt!” Cena set up an AA, but Styles countered into an Angel’s Wings for a near fall. Fans chanted “This is awesome!”

They stood and exchanged punches and chops as the crowd yelled after each. Cena set up a Pedigree, but Styles blocked it and landed a Dead Eye (“vertibreaker”). The announcers did not call the move by name. Barrett called it “a move John Cena just absorbed.” Cena gave Styles a draping DDT. Cole exclaimed, “Vintage… John Cena!” Fans chanted, “RKO!” Cena pounded the mat and then came at Styles once he stood and landed an RKO for a near fall. Barrett said, “I don’t want this match to ever end. Please keep going. What a treat.” Cole siad it’s turning out to be an all-time classic.

Cena then got a sinister look. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” He charged with a stomp attempt, but Styles moved and landed an AA on Cena for a near fall. Barrett said this is like a video game where you create a character and give them everyone’s finishing move. Cole said, “This is why we do what we do, for moments like this, to celebrate this great sport.” Fans chanted “Fight forever!” Styles signaled for You Can’t See Me, but Cena grabbed his hand and delivered an Undertaker chokeslam for a two count. Barrett said the match “has just blown my mind.”

Cena then avoided a charging Styles and set up a 619, but Styles popped out of the corner and hit Cena with a clothesline. Styles kicked Cena to the mat and then landed a slingshot springboard 450 onto Cena’s chest. Styles stomped the mat and hit Cena with Sweet Chin Music for a near fall. Barrett said there will never be another match like this one ever. Cole asked, “Are there any moves left?” Barrett asked Cole what his move was. Cole said, “The ank-Cole lock.” Barrett said that would ruin the experience. (They are allowed to use a move more than once, right? That’s be an interesting match stip, though, if you could only use a move once in the entire match.)

Styles hit his Phenomenal Forearm on Styles for a two count. Cena set up an AA, but Styles elbowed out of it. Cena hit the AA anyway for a near fall. “Are you kidding me?!” exclaimed Cole. (When Cole is that after a kickout of a signature finisher, they are really close to the finish of the match.) Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Cena and Styles battled on the ropes in the corner. Styles elbowed Cena and shoved him to the mat. He leaped off the top rope. Cena rolled through and lifted Styles for a Tomebstone  and delivered it. He followed with an AA for the win.

Barrett said he wishes every match was like this one. (No, as good as it was, that would be awful if all matches were just two wrestlers doing everyone else’s finishers. I get the spirit of his point, though.) Cena helped Styles to his feet. They hugged. As Styles left, Cole said next year will be the final year of Styles’s career and said this was one of the final matches of Cena’s retirement tour. Cole said Cena has become a movie star and a philanthropist and humanitarian. Cena greeted his wife at ringside. Cena looked like he had been in epic fight as he made his way to the aisle. He soaked up one more crowd pop as fans sang his song.

WINNER: Cena in 27:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: That was a special match, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they had the idea to do this as the inspiration for this match rather than booking the match and then deciding to do this. Some fans are going to name this as their favorite match of all time years from now. The tributes to so many of their past opponents was really cool. They showed enough within this format that I think they could have pulled off a stellar regular match, too. Fans in attendance have something to brag about being eye-witness to. All that said, I like this being the third of five matches and not saved for the main event.)

-They showed Cody Rhodes in the locker room looking like he was getting prepared for an important high-stakes fight. Cole and Seth commented on a graphic showing their years in WWE, total titles, total world titles, and WrestleMania main events. They went to Cole and Barrett on camera. Cole said he wanted to give a standing ovation for the match.

(4) RHEA RIPLEY & IYO SKY vs. THE KABUKI WARRIORS (Asuka & Kairi Sane)

As Asuka and Kairi made their entrance, Cole said Kairi was actually cowering and hiding behind him yesterday at the Kickoff Show. Cole said the Asuka-Kairi relationship is toxic and borderline abusive. Barrett said Asuka has a domineering personality whereas Kairi is more of a wallflower. Ripley got a big pop, of course, for her entrance. Cole talked about her history in the indy scene in Australia through her February 2024 match against Nia Jax. He said she’s going to try to follow what Reed accomplished earlier in the night.

When the bell rang, Kairi and Asuka charged at Rhea and Sky. Barrett said you have be ready when the bell rings or you can end up in the hospital. Cole said Iyo and Asuka grew up together in the Japanese system in a tag team and become best friends as they came to WWE and NXT in the United States. Cole said he believes Sky is the vest wrestler on the planet today. Barrett said he wouldn’t argue with that. Fans chanted “Iyo! Iyo!” as she rallied against Asuka early.

With Asuka at ringside, Styles dove through the ropes and tackled her. Cole called it “a suicide dive.” Kairi intervening opened up Asuka to kick Sky. Barrett noted Ripley was back on her feet after “her bell was rung” early in the match. The ref stopped Ripley from getting involved at ringside. Asuka entered the ring first and then Iyo just beat the count. Kairi tagged in and scored a two count on Sky. Cole said she appears to have been successfully brainwashed by Asuka. Barrett said she appreciates Asuka bringing her to the top of WWE.

Asuka tagged in and verbally berated Sky. Asuka and Kairi double-teamed Iyo. The ref was occupied by trying to keep Rhea from charging into the ring. Kairi landed a stomp off the top rope onto Iyo who was hanging upside down in the corner. That led to a two count. Asuka kicked Sky hard in the chest a few times. Sky popped up and showed fire. “Iyo switching gears!” exclaimed Cole. They swung wildly at each other. Iyo face-planted Asuka and then crawled over and hot-tagged in Ripley. That got a big pop.

Ripley went after Kairi, who also tagged in. Asuka tried to interfere, but Ripley dropkicked her. She then kicked Kairi on the side of her head and scored a two count. She followed with a Razor’s Edge attempt. Kairi slipped free. Ripley fended off Asuka and kicked Kairi. She then tagged Iyo back in. She landed a Razor’s Edge. Sky then leaped off the top rope with a missile dropkick for a near fall.

A minute later, Asuka interrupted Sky’s set-up for an Over the Moonsault on Kairi. Ripley went after Asuka at ringside, but Kairi slidekicked her from the ring. They threw Ripley into the ringside steps next. Sky springboard moonsaulted onto Asuka and Kairi at ringside as they were gloating.

Back in the ring, fans sang “Iyo… Iyo Sky!” She hit Kairi with two knees in the corner and then set up her Over the Moonsault. Asuka interrupted the count. Ripley returned to the ring and officially tagged in. She lifted Kairi onto her shoulders. Asuka shoved Sky off balance on the top rope. Kairi scored a leverage two count on Ripley in the ring. Ripley came right back with a Rip Tide, but Kairi slipped free.

Asuka held Ripley for an Insane Elbow by Kairi. Sky interrupted the subsequent count. (These break-ups of covers are weak, by the way.) A “This is awesome!” chant broke out. Sky dropkicked Asuka off the top rope. All four were down for a while. Fans clapped.

Ripley rallied and dropped Asuka face-first over the top turnbuckle. Ripley played to the crowd and then headbutted Asuka. she set up a Rip Tide off the second rope, but Kairi tagged herself in. Ripley then kicked Kairi off the ring apron to ringside. The kick was headed for Asuka, but Kairi shoved Asuka out of the way. Ripley then gave Kairi a Rip Tide. She tagged in Iyo who landed an Over the Moonsault for the win.

WINNERS: Ripley & Sky in 20:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: Really good tag team match. It was cool to have Sky score the pin instead of Ripley even though it was Ripley’s home country. Asuka is likely going to be upset at Kairi for taking the pin and unappreciative of Kairi saving her for getting kicked by Ripley.)

-Cole plugged the early start time for Raw (8 a.m. ET in the U.S.) which includes Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta.

-They cut backstage where two men in suits treated the Crown Jewel Championship belt like the Stanley Cup or something, locking it up in a case and carrying it to the ring. (This is just too over-the-top and seems more farcical than adding any actual prestige to the belt. It feels more “Spinal Tap” than Stanley Cup.)

(5) CODY RHODES vs. SETH ROLLINS – Crown Jewel Championship match

Seth came out first, alone and to his usual theme. Cole noted Seth has never defeated Cody in a one-on-one match-up. Fans pelted Seth with a “C.M. Punk!” chant as Seth slowly took off his entrance outfit. Cole said Seth’s outfit includes patches of cloth from gear he wore in his prior matches against Cody. He made a big production of taking off his watch, too. Barrett said it’s a reminder for Seth of the demons he was trying to exorcise tonight.

Seth showed early frustration after early Cody offense and paced at ringside. Fans chanted “Wanker!” at him. When he returned to the ring, Cody had a counter for everything Seth did. Barrett said everything was going terribly for Seth. Cody landed a Disaster Kick, knocking Seth off the ring apron. Seth fumed at ringside. “Seth Rollins is unraveling before our very eyes,” said Barrett as he criticized Seth going for an early Stomp and early Pedigree.

Seth went after Cole and Barrett at ringside. Barrett backed away and Cole cowered. Cody attacked Seth at ringside. Seth whipped Cody into the ringside stairs, though, and finally got in a stretch of offense. Seth leaped off the ringside barricade and stomped on Cody’s back. Back in the ring, he scored a two count. Cole said Seth was “acting desperately.” Barrett said that desperation was starting to play into his favor.

Seth countered a Disaster Kick attempt into a sitout powerbomb. Cole said Seth is one of the best on the planet, but he has let Cody get in his head. “His entire career has been ego, about nobody but himself,” he said. Seth yelled at Barrett, then turned to trash-talking Cody. Fans chanted, “We Want Barrett!” Barrett said, “Well, you’re not getting him.”

Seth cut off a Cody comeback with a Dragon Screw. Seth did a cartwheel and then stuck his tongue out at Cody. Barrett said that was a little bit of Stardust there. Cole said it’s screwing around and a sign of sudden overconfidence. Seth went for a Bionic Elbow, but Cody blocked it. Seth applied a figure-four seconds later mid-ring. Cody reversed it, so Seth grabbed the bottom rope to force a break. A “C.M. Punk!” chant started again. (I’m sure Cody’s love that.) A “F— him up, Cody, f— him up!” chant then started.

Cody landed a vertibreaker. Barrett called it by name here and gave a shout out to Hurricane Helms. Cody landed a snap powerslam on Seth followed by a Disaster Kick. He threw a series of punches and a Bionic Elbow. He then dove through the ropes and knocked Seth into the ringside barricade. Cody then landed a Cody Cutter mid-ring. Seth kicked out at two.

Seth came back with an enzuigiri and a Pedigree for a near fall. Seth landed a Crossroads for a two count. Seth absorbed the moment as they went to a wide shot of the scene. Barrett said Seth is starting to realize he might not be a leader and might always be in second place. (He is the World Champion.) Cody ducked Seth and went for a top rope Cody Cutter. Seth ducked and hit a Pedigree and a Stomp for a dramatic near fall. Cole said Seth has to be wondering what he has to do in order to put Cody away. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!”

Seth noticed something and marched to ringside. He examined the Crown Jewel Title belt. He then walked over to the watch. He put it on his knuckles. Barrett said Cody gave it to Seth at WrestleMania 40 when Seth assisted Cody “climbing to the pinnacle of the industry.” Seth entered he ring, but Cody recovered in that time and kicked a charging Seth. Cody then landed a Cody Cutter and a Crossroads for a very near fall. Cole wondered if Cody was starting to question himself. Barrett said Cody has to find something else in his playbook.

Cody climbed to the to rope. Seth knocked Cody off balance. Seth hung Cody upside down in the corner and then leaped off a top turnbuckle with a Coast-to-Coast flying headbutt into Cody for a near fall. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Barrett said Seth had a hard landing, too, pointing to his left arm and shoulder that absorbed the landing.

Seth placed Cody on the top turnbuckle and then gingerly climbed to the second rope. Cody punched Seth and knocked him to the mat. Seth leaped to the top rope and landed a Spanish Fly followed by a uranage for a near fall. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Seth climbed to the second rope. Cody knocked him off balance. Seth kept wincing and holding his left arm.

Cody delivered a top rope Cody Cutter. That was pretty precarious looking during the set-up. Cody scored a dramatic near fall. They stood and exchanged wild swings. Cody threw a series of front kicks and then set up a Crossroads. Seth blocked it. Cody then went for a Pedigree, but Seth slipped free and then picked up the watch in the corner of the ring. Cody kicked Seth who bumped into the ref, knocking the ref down. Seth blocked a Cody Cutter with a shot to the head with the watch on his knuckles. Seth landed a Stomp and then climbed to the second rope. When Codyh stood, Seth landed a leaping stomp for the three count.

Cole said that Seth used the watch to get his first career win over Cody. Barrett said he was in mental ecstasy.

WINNER: Rollins in 30:00.

-Levesque entered the ring and presented Rollins with the belt and the Crown Jewel ring. Cathy Kelley approached Seth for an interview. He said he didn’t need her to ask a question because he knows what she was going to ask. “How does it feel to get that monkey off your back?” He said it feels better than any of them can imagine. “Some of us dream impossible dreams and some of us have the fortitude to achieve those dreams!” he said. “He said there is only one man who reaches higher than the highest.” He said he proved tonight he is not just the greatest of his generation, but the greatest of all time. He said he is a revolutionary and visionary. Cole quipped, “Thank goodness, he is humble.” Cole wondered what Seth, Heyman, Breakker, and Reed have planned as the vision of the future. Pyro blasted as Seth celebrated some more. Vaquer entered the ring and stood next to Seth as they showed off their respective belts.

(Keller’s Analysis: A really good match on a night with all good matches. They had created quite a bit of intrigue over the internal turmoil that would result of Seth coming up short that it felt more possible they’d see that through with another frustrating loss for Seth. It added extra drama. Seth either legit hurt his left arm or was selling very effectively after that Coast to Coast headbutt.)

[Note: ESPN really needs to fix this thing where when the live event ends, and if you started watching late, it just stops the show until 15-30 minutes later they load the replay and then you have to start over again.]

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Steph Curry has been the face of the Warriors for the better part of two decades, but who’s next in line to carry that burden once the two-time NBA MVP decides to hang it up?

Brandin Podziemski recently stated his desire to earn that prestigious role, displaying a level of ambition that is appreciated by general manager Mike Dunleavy.

Dunleavy wouldn’t make a hard commitment to handing the keys of the franchise over to Podziemski, opting to see how the cards unfold when the time comes, as he explained further during an interview on 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” Friday.

“I think we like his ambition overall. That’s part of the reason that makes him good,” Dunleavy told Matt Steinmentz and Daryl Johnson. “He believes in himself, he goes out there and shows it every night. So, on the whole, I like to see that. As far as the future goes, it’s so hard to predict. I think from his standpoint or any of our young players’ standpoint, who knows how good these guys are going to be … we’ll see where the chips fall.

“We love having BP. He has been an integral part of our team the last couple years, as has some of the young guys we drafted in the first round, second round, picked up, undrafted, whatever it may be. We feel good about our young group. But who knows five years from now what any of this is going to look like. So, we just want to focus on this year, putting together the best team we can do and we’ll kind of cross the bridge of everything else as it goes.”

Podziemski voiced his lofty goal during an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, detailing how warning that trust goes beyond just his skill on the court.

“When they leave this thing, they got to leave it with somebody,†Podziemski told Friedell. “How can I have their trust? And they can go to [owner] Joe [Lacob] and [general manager] Mike [Dunleavy] and be like, “Hey, we want to leave it with him. Heâ€s going to continue what weâ€re leaving.

“So, I think about that all time, and I set myself up in that position to have that. And thereâ€s a lot of other things than just skill that you need to be in that position.â€

Podziemski is entering his third NBA season after being selected No. 19 overall in the 2023 draft, earning All-Rookie honors after a standout campaign in his first year as a professional.

The 22-year-old guard followed that up with another solid performance in his sophomore season, posting 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in 64 appearances.

While Podziemski certainly has displayed the desired traits you’d seek in a leader, his long-term role will be sorted out when the time comes. For now, his, and every member of Golden State’s focus remains putting the Warriors in the best position possible to pursue a championship this season.

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The Warriors are focused on the present, but general manager Mike Dunleavy can’t ignore the uncertainty looming with Steve Kerr’s future as coach.

Dunleavy joined 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” on Friday and discussed where things stand with Kerr as he enters the final year of a two-year contract he signed in February 2024.

“Yeah, I mean, I guess technically there is [uncertainty],” Dunleavy said. “This isn’t really a regular situation with a head coach where he’s in the last year of his deal. We know what it is with Steve. He’s been here a long time. He’s been an amazing part of this franchise, and as far as I’m concerned, can stay as long as he wants.

“We’re going to give him the grace of the season to go through it, or at least some of it, to see and feel where he’s at mentally and physically.”

With two years left on Steph Curry’s contract, two left on Draymond Green’s with a player option in the final year and Jimmy Butler also signed through the 2026-27 NBA season, it only feels right that Kerr would end his Warriors tenure with the guys he started it with.

When asked about it last week, Kerr told reporters he didn’t want to address it at that point because he wants to see how he feels in six months, adding that he’s “very comfortable” just going into the season with one year left on his deal.

“I get how maybe it doesn’t line up,” Dunleavy said, “but it’s hard to see Steve moving on, or to see Steph finish his career without Steve on the sidelines. I think it’ll all work out, but we’re not going to jump into anything. We’re going to go on Steve’s terms.

“And right now, he just wants to take it and see how the season goes. And no problem on our end.”

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The Warriors will be without several starters for their third game of the 2025 NBA preseason.

Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford and Moses Moody all will miss Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, coach Steve Kerr told reporters Saturday (h/t ESPN’s Anthony Slater).

Kerr already had informed media members on Friday that Butler would be away for Sunday’s game as an excused absence, stating the reason was positive.

Meanwhile, Kerr said Curry is “banged up,” but the plan is for him to play Tuesday against the Trail Blazers in Portland.

Horford made his unofficial Warriors debut in Golden State’s preseason opener last Sunday, finishing with three points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. He was a plus-13 in 14 minutes.

Moody, after leading the Warriors with 19 points and five 3-pointers last Sunday, will miss the game in Los Angeles due to a calf issue. Kerr said Moody will undergo an MRI later Saturday, but the team believes it is minor.

The Warriors will start Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green and Quinten Post.

Strength in numbers will be tested early this season.

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The Warriors’ open practice last week delivered more than drills and shooting — it gave us a priceless sibling moment.

Seth Curry donned No. 30 while Steph sported No. 31, swapping their usual jersey numbers for the day in a playful nod to their shared basketball lineage.

Steph Curry has been a Warrior for life. Drafted by Golden State in 2009, he has become the face of the franchise, a multi-time MVP and champion. He has worn No. 30 for all 16 seasons of his Warriors career, a number thatâ€s become part of his identity as much as his shooting form.

So when his younger brother joined Golden State, one question lingered: what number would Seth Curry take?

He wasnâ€t able to secure No. 30 from Steph.

“I tried to buy it from him,†Seth joked. “He said he didnâ€t need the money.â€Â

Seth actually has worn No. 30 for most of his own career, including recent stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets. Before that, he spent two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers wearing No. 31, and earlier in his career bounced between 30, 31 and 10 as he moved from team to team.

This NBA season is the first time since Seth entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2013 that the two have shared a training camp, finally taking the floor as teammates instead of competitors.

The 35-year-old joined the Warriors on an Exhibit 9 contract, which allows him to participate in training camp and the preseason. Because of the NBAâ€s second-apron restrictions, Golden State will need to waive him before finalizing its roster — but the team can re-sign him as early as Nov. 11 while staying under the tax threshold.

The lighthearted jersey swap at open practice gave Warriors fans a glimpse of the brothers†easy chemistry — and a reminder of how rare it is to see both Currys on the same court.

Steph remains the Warriors†cornerstone, while Seth begins a new chapter in familiar territory, wearing a familiar number — just not No. 30.

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SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors went through a spirited scrimmage on Friday, and the performance of one of the teamâ€s elder statesmen drew rave reviews.

The gym on this day belonged to Jimmy Butler III.

“He just had an incredible practice,†coach Steve Kerr said.

“He wasn’t on my team, so I didn’t like to see it,†Stephen Curry said partly in jest.

“But it was indicative of the ceiling that we can get to with a guy like that. A guy who at any moment knows how to win.â€

Even Butlerâ€s faux nemesis, Buddy Hield, offered nothing but props to the man who turned 36 last month.

“Jimmy dominated practice today,†Hield said. “It was great for him. He looked really good and professional today. It was great. Great energy.â€

Though general praise tends to flow freely in every training camp, the reaction in this instance is highly encouraging for the Warriors. There are many stories of Butler dominating scrimmages in his previous stops, whether Chicago or Minnesota or Philadelphia or Miami.

Butlerâ€s infamous scrimmage with the Timberwolves in 2018 is one that made its way around the NBA. Three weeks after asking to be traded, he led a group of reserves to victory over a squad that included four starters, with center Karl-Anthony Towns often the target of his ferocity. Butler was loud, hyperaggressive and, well, a winner.

That last trait is welcome in Golden State. Though there was no indication hostility, seeing him bring juice to a scrimmage warms the heart of the teamâ€s established veterans like Curry and Green.

For doing so with the Warriors, who belong to Curry more than anyone, suggests Butler still is capable of being The Man. That while he embraces being “Robin†to Curryâ€s “Batman,†– the roles can be interchangeable upon request.

“I just think he took it up a notch today,†Hield said. “He wasnâ€t chirping like that Jimmy we know of. He was a silent killer, and his work speaks himself.â€

There were shades of that Jimmy last season, as Butler occasionally took over portions of a game, usually when Curry was off the floor. He managed to make a significant impact despite being the new guy, tossed onto the roster during the searing heat of a playoff chase.

“Last year, Jimmy didnâ€t know any defensive terminology,†Draymond Green said last week. “We were just making it work.â€

Butler this season is with the Warriors for a full training camp, which followed team workouts he arranged in the days before camp officially began. Heâ€ll miss the third preseason game, Sunday against the Lakers in Los Angeles, for what Kerr called a “wonderful†personal matter, but he is scheduled to practice Saturday in LA before departing.

This was, in a way, a reminder. Butler putting together a “Himmy Lives†display can only be beneficial for young Warriors to witness and veterans to realize his back pocket contains plenty of what they hope to see once the regular season begins on Oct. 21.

“He was very impactful, across the board, getting to his spots, (flashing) his competitive will,†Curry said. “Our practices have been at pretty high level. Not every day, scrimmaging, but he kind of built up to a good session today. From the jump, Jimmy was attacking the rim, dictating the pace on both ends.â€

This is the Butler the Warriors need to threaten teams beyond Curry, and every occasion he shows up will be greeted with delight.

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The 2025-26 NBA season is here! We’re rolling out our previews — examining the biggest questions, best- and worst-case scenarios, and win projections for all 30 franchises — from the still-rebuilding teams to the true title contenders.

2024-25 finish

• Record: 48-34 (7th in the West, lost to the Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs)

Offseason moves

• Additions: Al Horford, Deâ€Anthony Melton, Seth Curry, Will Richard, Alex Toohey

• Subtractions: Kevon Looney, Braxton Key, Kevin Knox

(Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

The Big Question: Was what we saw after the Jimmy Butler trade sustainable for a full season?

The home-run swing for Butler completely transformed the Warriors to a degree that few midseason acquisitions ever do. He gave Steve Kerrâ€s club another avenue of attack, bringing low-turnover, high-efficiency isolation play and a steady diet of free throws to the party to serve as a perfect complement to Golden Stateâ€s tried-and-true Stephen Curry-centered motion offense. He diversified and strengthened the team’s defense, pairing with Draymond Green to give the Dubs two high-IQ multipositional possession-wreckers capable of putting out fires all over the half-court.

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The impact was immediate, obvious and overwhelming: A .500 team with a negative point differential entering the trade deadline, Golden State posted the NBAâ€s fourth-best record, third-best net rating and No. 1 defense afterward. In the 43 regular- and postseason games following Butlerâ€s arrival, the Warriors went 28-15 — a 53-win pace. In the 35 games in which Butler, Curry and Green all appeared, they went 27-8 — a 63-win pace.

[Yahoo Sports TV is here! Watch live shows and highlights 24/7]

They outlasted a young, hungry, physical and damn good Rockets team in Round 1, winning a Game 7 on the road despite Butler playing through a pelvic contusion and Curry dealing with a thumb injury, and took Game 1 of the conference semis on the road in Minnesota. It would prove a pyrrhic victory; as soon as Steph pulled up with a hamstring injury, Golden Stateâ€s fate was sealed.

Even in defeat, though, its future path was clearly illuminated. The Curry-Green-Butler trio worked like gangbusters, and with the contracts of all three lined up for two more seasons (provided Green picks up his $27.7 million player option for 2026-27), the Warriors would try to maximize their potential of contending for a title right friggin†now.

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“My headline is, this team heading into the season has got a great shot,†Dunleavy Jr. said on media day.

So: In comes Al Horford, on the cusp of his 40th birthday, but still a supremely additive performer and hand-in-glove two-way fit with championship experience who, as Kerr put it, “fits any lineup, makes any lineup better.â€

(Big Al has already passed the first test facing any new arrival in the Bay: understanding that “the whole mindset is trying to make the game easier for [Steph].†Good start!)

In comes Seth Curry, who shot 45.6% from 3-point range last season; who ranked in the 86th percentile in points per possession finished as a spot-up shooter and in the 96th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, according to Synergy; and who seems like a pretty good bet to slide smoothly into a system that his brotherâ€s been running for, oh, 50 years.

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Back comes De’Anthony Melton, a two-way chaos agent who was a rotation piece during Golden Stateâ€s hot start last season before suffering a sprained left ACL and eventually being dealt to Brooklyn. Back comes Gary Payton II, a perpetually peculiar player who somehow manages to fit perfectly in Golden State, screening and diving and making the extra pass and guarding everyone with tenacity and alacrity.

[Get more Warriors news: Golden State team feed]

This, then, is the operating principle: Get as many smart players as possible — guys who understand how to cut, move, guard and pass, who understand how to play off of and maximize the three superstars — and see how it all shakes out. If, after a frostbite summer of sore feelings, the finally re-signed Jonathan Kuminga is willing to play a circumscribed role that fits into that framework, then thatâ€s great news. And if heâ€s not … well, Jan. 15 will be here before you know it, and a two-year, $46.8 million deal could bring back pieces that more snugly fit the Warriors†M.O.

If everyoneâ€s rowing in the same direction, and if the long-in-the-tooth centerpieces to whom Kerr, Dunleavy Jr. and the rest of Golden Stateâ€s braintrust have hitched their wagons can stay upright and operational, then weâ€ll have a chance to find out if what we saw after the trade deadline was just a small-sample-size magic trick, or if itâ€s sturdy enough to sustain over a longer haul.

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If itâ€s the former, then maybe weâ€ve already seen Stephâ€s last best chance at a winner. If itâ€s the latter, though, then we might be looking at a bona fide title contender.

Best-case scenario

All the stuff I just said goes right! None of Steph, Draymond, Jimmy or Al miss extended periods, resulting in the Warriors finishing in the top 10 on both ends of the floor. GPII and Melton combine for something like a full season of havoc-wreaking, the supplemental youth — Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, young bigs Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post — gets in where it fits in around the aging tentpoles, and Dunleavy finds a Kuminga deal that bolsters the core. The Warriors finish with home-court advantage in Round 1 and, with a healthy Steph, a puncherâ€s chance against anybody they draw in the West.

If everything falls apart

A roster carefully constructed around four of the NBAâ€s oldest players crumbles when those guys do what old guys do: get hurt and miss time. Golden State looks brilliant for stretches, but only for stretches, and none of that supplemental youth proves capable of shouldering a heavier load. No Kuminga deal materializes, and the bad taste of this summer lingers over an underwhelming season spent scuffling for a play-in berth and that ends before Aprilâ€s out … and with Steph staring down his age-38 season, the end of the line looks to be approaching faster than anybody wants it to.

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2025-26 schedule

• Season opener: Oct. 21 at Los Angeles Lakers

Start penciling in a couple of weeks of missed time here and there for their critical graybeards, and itâ€s not hard to see a world where they dip down below the mid-40s. If what we get is the version of the Warriors that ended last season plus Horford, though? Then Golden State should blow this number away.

More season previews

East: Atlanta Hawks • Boston Celtics • Brooklyn Nets • Charlotte Hornets • Chicago Bulls • Cleveland Cavaliers • Detroit Pistons • Indiana Pacers • Miami Heat • Milwaukee Bucks • New York Knicks • Orlando Magic • Philadelphia 76ers • Toronto Raptors • Washington Wizards

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West: Dallas Mavericks • Denver Nuggets • Golden State Warriors • Houston Rockets • Los Angeles Clippers • Los Angeles Lakers • Memphis Grizzlies • Minnesota Timberwolves • New Orleans Pelicans • Oklahoma City Thunder • Phoenix Suns • Portland Trail Blazers • Sacramento Kings • San Antonio Spurs • Utah Jazz

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Jonathan Kumingaâ€s biggest concern in the offseason was his contract negotiations. Now that an agreement has been reached, the Warriors forward’s concerns shift elsewhere.  Â

Kuminga was asked in an interview with Andscapeâ€s Marc J. Spears if anything about his NBA future made him nervous.

“The biggest thing about it is just to work and just get better every day and be a winner,†Kuminga told Spears. “No matter where Iâ€ll be, no matter if Iâ€m going to be here or they might ship me somewhere else. I just want to get to wherever Iâ€ll get, or be here and just be involved and win and impact right away. That is my biggest concern.â€Â

The 23-year-old forward is clearly focused on improving and helping the Warriors in their title aspirations. His fluctuating role and uncertain future in Golden State donâ€t make that easy.

“I donâ€t worry about things like that. I just try to get better. You never know with this life,†Kuminga told Spears. “Itâ€s the NBA. One day youâ€re going to be here. One day youâ€re going to be somewhere else.â€Â

Despite the unknown, Kuminga remains confident.

“I have too much confidence. And my confidence donâ€t just come from [inside] because I work towards it and I see how better I get every other year. The sky is the limit,†Kuminga said. “I canâ€t predict it, but I believe in God and I trust my work and I know I have a long way to go.â€

Entering his fifth NBA season, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points per game with a 50.7 field goal percentage in his young career.Â

His scoring production has increased since his rookie season, averaging at least 15 points per game in each of his last two seasons.Â

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Jonathan Kuminga said he consulted with a number of his teammates during his lengthy contract stand-off with the Golden State Warriors, including Buddy Hield, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry.

“I spoke to Buddy. I spoke to Draymond. I spoke to Jimmy. I spoke to Steph. All of them. I had a 20-plus type of conversations of how contracts work, how to feel about certain things. They were teaching me certain things,” he told Marc J. Spears of Andscape. “We had a [players] team camp out there in San Diego. I did not go. That’s when I had to speak to Jimmy and tell him how things were going and that I can’t get there. He’s one of the guys that really understands where I was coming from because he’s been through contract situations. And me and Steph had a long, long talk and I really appreciate that. Me and Draymond, obviously we always talk, but we had a long talk after he was coming back from China. They just gave me hope and patience for sure. I felt like I was comfortable after talking to them. You’ve always got to hear from certain outlets and they’re the ones that I really needed to hear from.”

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors are two games into the NBA preseason, and as they glance ahead they can see at least one caution light blinking.

The light that gauges the effectiveness of their perimeter defense, particularly at the point of attack.

That element is one of several essentials to Golden Stateâ€s success, and it has been considerably less than stellar. Opposing guards, some speedy and others shifty, are penetrating with regularity, resulting in paint points, free throws or kickouts to open shooters behind the arc.

That was visible Wednesday night in the first half – with all minutes going to starters and rotation players – of a 129-123 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It took a massive fourth-quarter comeback by the far end of the bench to wipe out a 16-point halftime deficit.

Moses Moody started in the role of primary POA defender against Portland, with coach Steve Kerr pairing him with Stephen Curry in the backcourt. This vulnerability also was visible last Sunday, when Brandin Podziemski started alongside Curry in a 111-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

While itâ€s unreasonable to expect fantastic defense in the first week of the preseason, the Warriors canâ€t be delighted with a defense that allowed 39 points in the first quarter and 73 in the half.

“They were flying by us,†Kerr said. “And then we were collapsing, probably too much.  And then they had a ton of threes. I think they made 10 threes in the first half.â€

Wrong, coach. The Blazers drained 12 triples in the first half. They also posted a 24-16 edge in paint points.

This was Golden Stateâ€s first look at a starting lineup that might start the 2025-26 NBA regular season. Curry and Moody in the backcourt, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green at forward and Al Horford at center. All five posted negative plus/minus numbers in the first half.

“I didnâ€t think we were ready to play,†Kerr said. “I donâ€t know that we got a good enough look at that lineup to really know. It should fit, with Alâ€s shooting and we have a lot of length. Moses on the ball. They took it to us right away.â€

Starting Moody against the Blazers was logical because heâ€s a rangy defender (6-foot-5, 7-foot wingspan) and a good 3-point shooter. The possibility of him as lead bird dog emerged late last season, after the Warriors traded Andrew Wiggins as part of the deal to acquire Jimmy Butler III, as Kerr explained before tipoff.

“He got to guard the ball,†Kerr recalled of Moody. “He got to be in the starting lineup, and he became our point of attack defender, like Wiggs was before. And so, with Wiggs leaving, that opened a void on this team, because Jimmy’s not that.â€

Moody has the potential to be all of that, but itâ€s clear heâ€s still trying to master the art of staying in front of quick guards. Itâ€s a tough assignment. He has made 74 starts over four NBA seasons, but starring in that role took Klay Thompson about 300 starts.

“They came out and hit us early,†Moody told NBC Sports Bay Area. “It felt like a different game than [against the Lakers]. “We didnâ€t do much game planning and preparation. But I think their speed, especially in transition, got us.â€

Portland guard Shaedon Sharpe finished with a game-high 22 points in 23 minutes, on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep. He was plus-14 for the night. Backup guard Blake Wesley, blasting into the paint with relative ease, finished with nine points and six rebounds.

Three nights earlier, four Lakers scored in double figures on Sunday – and all were guards: Gabe Vincent (team-high 16 points), Dalton Knecht (12), R.J. Davis (11) and Jack LaRavia (10). Along with their 49 combined points, they accounted for 12 assists.

Golden Stateâ€s POA defense so important because there is no Victor Wembanyama waiting at the rim. There is no Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert or Chet Holmgren. Not even a Donovan Clingan

The preseason is a time for experimenting, for seeing what might work and what shouldnâ€t even be tried. Itâ€s a work in progress, and there is plenty of time to patch it. But the early returns are worth watching.

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