In a thrilling NBA matchup, Draymond Green delivered a performance that momentarily drew comparisons to Stephen Curry, igniting excitement for Golden State Warriors fans. Green’s impressive running three-pointer early in the game set the tone, reminding everyone of his prime form and raising hopes that the Warriors could be returning to their championship-level play from just two seasons ago. Alongside Green, players like Jonathan Kuminga and the resurgent Andrew Wiggins are helping bolster the team’s prospects, especially with Klay Thompson and Wiggins showing promising signs. This combination suggests that the Warriors might once again be a formidable force, as their recent win against the Utah Jazz demonstrates.

This particular game against Utah stood out for several reasons. For much of the game, Jonathan Kuminga and Steph Curry had only scored a combined 28 points by the third quarter. However, despite their subdued performances, the Warriors maintained a double-digit lead against a Jazz team that had an impressive 17-7 home record. When Curry isn’t firing on all cylinders, most teams might hope for a chance to exploit that, but that wasn’t the case here. By the fourth quarter, Curry snapped into his usual form, nailing five three-pointers, including some deep shots that felt impossible to defend. His scoring barrage, including a 30-foot bomb and a quick-trigger three from a handoff, demonstrated just how dangerous the Warriors remain when their star heats up.

Curry’s ability to take over games is what keeps the Warriors in playoff contention, but even for a generational talent like him, having a strong supporting cast is essential. Interestingly, this game highlighted how this current Warriors team could be the best supporting cast Curry has had since the 2021 season. And one of the standout pieces of that supporting cast is Andrew Wiggins, whose recent return to form has been pivotal. Wiggins struggled earlier in the season, shooting just 40% from the field and 28% from three in his first 21 games. The poor performance led to him being benched, and there were whispers of an inevitable trade. However, in his last 24 games, Wiggins has seen significant improvement, particularly in his shooting efficiency and defense.

Wiggins’ ability to defend elite players and contribute offensively is one of the reasons the Warriors value him so highly. His defense against the likes of Trae Young and LeBron James in recent games has been impressive. He has shown his versatility by blocking shots and matching opponents stride-for-stride in transition. Offensively, Wiggins is living at the rim and knocking down timely threes, giving the Warriors a well-rounded two-way player. Plays like his pump-fake drive against LeBron James, where he finished with a strong layup, underscore just how impactful Wiggins can be when he’s locked in on both ends of the court.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Warriors’ recent play is the performance of their frontcourt trio: Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga. Over the last 10 games, when these three have shared the floor, the Warriors have boasted a remarkable offensive rating of 127, a defensive rating of 99, and a net rating of 27.6 in nearly 200 minutes. Green’s return to playmaking has been crucial, especially in facilitating Klay Thompson’s offensive resurgence. Against Utah, Green assisted on five of Thompson’s buckets, including a couple of classic catch-and-shoot threes where Thompson needed just a single dribble or none at all. Thompson thrives when he plays within the flow of the offense, taking minimal dribbles and firing shots with his lightning-quick release.

Draymond’s playmaking not only benefits Klay Thompson, but it also enhances the entire team’s chemistry. With Green orchestrating the offense, the Warriors’ role players are also thriving. One such player is Gary Payton II, who is known primarily for his defense but has recently provided a spark on offense as well. In just 29 minutes since his return, Payton has scored 22 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists—all without missing a single shot. His intelligence and athleticism make him a valuable two-way player, capable of making timely plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. For example, his ability to slip behind defenses for layups or to out-hustle opponents for loose balls keeps the Warriors’ offense humming.

Payton’s impact, along with the strong play of the Warriors’ rookies, particularly Brandin Podziemski, adds depth to this team. Podziemski has shown that he can contribute in multiple ways, despite being a rookie. His unique scoring ability, footwork, and touch around the rim have impressed fans and analysts alike. Plays like his high-arcing floater off the backboard or his baseline spin move highlight his potential as a future star. Though he’s not yet at the level of players like Luka Dončić or Jalen Brunson, who are known for their exceptional footwork, Podziemski is showing signs of being a key player for the Warriors moving forward.

The chemistry and balance of this Warriors squad are becoming more apparent as key players return to form. Draymond Green’s playmaking, Andrew Wiggins’ resurgence, Jonathan Kuminga’s growth, and the emergence of role players like Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski all point to a team that is rounding into shape at the right time. Though Steph Curry remains the focal point, the collective strength of the Warriors’ supporting cast may prove to be the X-factor as they push for another deep playoff run.