### Warriors Showcase Unprecedented Depth in Season Opener Victory

PORTLAND, Ore. – In a stunning display of rotational depth, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a decisive 139-104 victory on Wednesday night in their season opener. Head coach Steve Kerr, leveraging the team's extensive roster, made a bold decision to rotate 12 players into the game, starting from the first quarter.

The game saw Gary Payton II and Kyle Anderson check in with only three minutes left in the first quarter, marking the debut of the Warriors' 10th and 11th men. By the start of the second quarter, Moses Moody had joined the action, reflecting an unprecedented approach from Kerr, who had previously emphasized the necessity of trimming the rotation during training camp.

"This is as deep of a team as I've ever coached, and we've got to lean into that," Kerr remarked post-game. "I've never played 12 before, but we're going to do it. I couldn't justify leaving anyone out."

The starting lineup featured Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Kerr indicated a preference for this group to continue as the starting five throughout the season. Off the bench, Buddy Hield was the first to enter, followed by Kevon Looney and Brandin Podziemski, then Melton, Anderson, and finally Moody.

"It's the identity of this team right now," Curry said. "We're going to rely on our depth." Reflecting on past experiences, Curry compared the depth to the 2014-15 Warriors. "But even that team had just an 11-man rotation," he noted.

Andrew Wiggins, sharing his perspective, stated, "This is the deepest team I've ever been on.” The game saw seven players scoring in double figures, led by Hield who recorded 22 points in just 15 minutes, including five 3-pointers, a feat which according to ESPN Research, hasn't been accomplished by a Warriors player in such limited time since 1984.

Curry, close to a triple-double, contributed 17 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. The team collectively made 20 3-pointers, with no individual surpassing Curry's team-high of 25 minutes played. Emphasizing their fast-paced strategy, the Warriors scored 30 points in transition against Portland, effectively overwhelming their opponents with a continuous "wave" of players, as Hield described.

"Without Klay, we needed shooting. Well, we needed shooting anyways," Curry commented on Hield's integration into the team. "It's been a very seamless transition so far."

As the Warriors rely on a dynamic rotation, the strategy may vary depending on matchups and individual performances. Curry emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive team energy, even if certain players experience off-nights.

"You have to have a commitment — no agendas, no egos, or healthy egos, where you know you're supposed to be out there but if it's not your night, don't bring the team down with your energy," Curry explained.

The mutual understanding among players, fostered since training camp in Hawai'i, appears to be the cornerstone of their current identity. According to Kerr, this healthy competition for playing time has been instrumental in shaping the team's resilient character. For now, the Warriors seem poised to continue leveraging their depth as a key advantage.