Warriors 112-95 Lakers: Curry Stars as Golden State Erase 23-Point Deficit in NBA Cup Opener

The Golden State Warriors beat the Los Angeles Lakers 112-95 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday, 30 October 2026, in the opening game of the Emirates NBA Cup group stage for both teams. The result, played at 10 p.m. ET on Prime Video in the United States, which was 3 a.m. GMT on Saturday, 31 October, turned on one of the wildest swings of the young NBA season: Los Angeles led by 23 points after the first quarter, Golden State tied the game by half-time, and the home team pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Lakers vs Warriors — Quick Reference Summary

A 38-15 First Quarter, Then a 38-15 Answer

Los Angeles started as if the game would be a repeat of the season opener. Luka Doncic scored 21 points in the first quarter alone, and the Lakers led 38-15 at the end of it, a 23-point advantage built in 12 minutes. The lead, however, lasted only as long as Golden State needed to answer in kind. The Warriors outscored the Lakers 38-15 in the second quarter, tying the game at 53-53 at half-time, and USA Today reported that Golden State became the first team in the shot-clock era, since 1954-55, to trail by as many as 23 points after the opening quarter and then tie the game by half-time.

That symmetry is the story of the match in miniature. A team that had been blown out of the first quarter did not panic, change its shape or chase the game with rushed shots. Instead, it matched the Lakers’ first-quarter burst point for point in the second, and by the interval the two sides were level again. From there, the game became a test of depth and composure, and it was Golden State that passed it, leading by nine in the third quarter before pulling away to a 17-point winning margin.

Curry Against Doncic, and the Rookie Subplot Behind It

The headline duel lived up to its billing, even if the team result went only one way. Stephen Curry finished with a team-high 31 points, including eight three-pointers, plus six assists and four rebounds. Doncic answered with a game-high 37 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but his effort was not enough once the Lakers’ offence stalled in the second half. Brandin Podziemski added 21 points, five rebounds and six assists for Golden State, while Austin Reaves scored 21 points for Los Angeles but committed eight turnovers, and Walker Kessler contributed 10 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.

There was also a personal edge running underneath the basketball. Doncic had been called out by Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg after the season opener on 21 October, and the two had traded words during that game. On Friday, Doncic outscored the Lakers by himself in the opening period, and Curry answered with a highlight in the third quarter, sending Doncic to the floor with a series of dribble moves before draining a three-pointer. Doncic responded with a shot of his own on the next possession, a small exchange that captured why this fixture, even in late October, draws a wider audience than most group games.

Injuries, Absences and What the Result Changes

Neither team was at full strength, and the absentee lists help explain the shape of the game. Golden State were without Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis, all ruled out with long-term injuries, while Gui Santos had been listed as doubtful. Los Angeles were without Ziaire Williams for a second consecutive game with a left foot injury, and Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr were also out. Doncic himself had missed the Lakers’ 103-87 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, 28 October, with back tightness, but was cleared from the injury report before Friday’s game and was not on it at tip-off.

For the NBA Cup standings, the result gives Golden State the early advantage in Western Conference Group C, with a 1-0 group record and a 3-3 overall record, while the Lakers fall to 4-2 overall. The Cup format means the group result matters in December, when the knockout round is set, but the wider point from Friday is simpler: a Warriors team missing three significant players still found a way to beat a 4-1 Lakers side, and did so after the worst possible start. Los Angeles, meanwhile, return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, with a reminder that a 23-point lead is not a win until the final buzzer.

For other major sports coverage, see Canelo vs Mbilli in Riyadh.

Questions Readers Keep Asking About Lakers vs Warriors

What was the final score?

Golden State Warriors 112, Los Angeles Lakers 95, at Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday, 30 October 2026.

How did the Warriors come back from 23 points down?

The Lakers led 38-15 after the first quarter, but Golden State outscored them 38-15 in the second quarter to tie the game 53-53 at half-time, then pulled away in the second half.

Who were the top scorers?

Stephen Curry led Golden State with 31 points, and Luka Doncic led all scorers with 37 points for Los Angeles. Brandin Podziemski scored 21 for Golden State, and Austin Reaves scored 21 for Los Angeles.

Was this an NBA Cup game?

Yes. It was the Emirates NBA Cup group-stage opener for both teams, in Western Conference Group C, with the Cup result counting towards December’s knockout round.

What happened in the previous meeting?

Los Angeles won the season opener 127-105 on 21 October 2026, when Doncic and Lendeborg first traded words. Friday’s game was the rematch.

What is next for the Lakers?

They return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, after falling to 4-2 for the season, while Golden State improved to 3-3.