After losing the first three games of the season, things looked bleak for the Golden State Warriors, who entered this year without Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porziņģis, who later announced he is stepping away from basketball. 

However, the Warriors stuck to the process and racked up eight straight wins. They became the first team in NBA history to follow that pattern.

During the win streak, four of the Warriors’ wins have come from double-digit comebacks, marking the second time in franchise history that they’ve accomplished this feat. 

Perhaps one of their most impressive victories during this stretch came from a 112-95 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to open Group Play in the Emirates NBA Cup on Oct. 30. They became the first team in the shot-clock era to come back to tie or take the lead at halftime after trailing by 23+ points at the end of the first quarter. 

During the win streak, the Warriors are the NBA’s best 3-point shooting team (40.3%), have a 70% assist rate (second in the NBA), and have a top-3 bench in scoring (492). 

They beat the New Orleans Pelicans by 51 points. The last time they beat a team by 50+ points was in 2023. This is also their first 8-game win streak since the 2021-22 season, when they won the championship. 

From Curry’s MVP-level play to the Warriors’ bench depth, here are four takeaways from their historic turnaround before they face Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets Wednesday (9:30 ET, ESPN).

1. Stephen Curry’s historic play at age 38

In NBA.com’s first edition of the Kia MVP Ladder, Curry cracked the list at No. 7.

Following Curry’s 41-point explosion in the Warriors’ 126-119 win in overtime over the Orlando Magic, he might have climbed a few steps on the ladder after notching his second 40-point performance of the season. 

He tied Oscar Robertson for the 8th most 40-point games in NBA history. In the win, he nailed 5 or more 3-pointers in five straight games, which marks the eighth such streak within a single season in his career. That’s twice as many such streaks as any other player in NBA history. 

At age 38, Curry is showing no signs of slowing down as he’s shooting a scorching 45.7% from the 3-point range. 

The Warriors have also made a few offensive tweaks to their system this season. 

They’ve revolutionized the game with small-ball lineups during their dynasty run in the mid 2010’s, and in previous years, they’ve centered their offense on the two-man game between Draymond Green and Curry. 

But now, with shooters, floor-spacers and connectors surrounding Curry, he gets the freedom to create offense in a five-out system. 

So far, the results are looking promising. 

2. Yaxel Lendeborg makes an immediate impact

Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 overall pick from the 2026 NBA Draft, has quickly become a fan favorite with his impactful play. 

Although he’s just a rookie, Steve Kerr has already made an intentional effort to feature Lendeborg as the second option in their offense. Lendeborg has averaged 21.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 4.0 apg in the early parts of the season. 

Here are some impressive historical feats in Lendeborg’s young career: 

• There have only been two players in NBA history to total 113 points and 46 rebounds throughout their first five games: Shaquille O’Neal and Lendeborg.
• In a 124-112 win over the LA Clippers, he notched his career-high 37 points as the Warriors proved they can win a game without Curry. That was the highest-scoring performance by a Warriors rookie since Curry’s 42 points on April 14, 2010. 
• Through his first 10 games, Lendeborg joins Wilt Chamberlain (1959) and Rick Barry (1965) as the only Warriors rookies to ever reach 200+ points. 

His fiery personality matches his play on the court, and he’s sparked some new life in the Warriors this season.

3. Brandin Podziemski’s growth in Year 4

Brandin Podziemski has met high expectations as he enters his fourth season with the Warriors, averaging career highs in points (16.8), assists (4.2) and 3-point percentage (40.3%). 

Podziemski signed a 5-year extension in the offseason, which gives the Warriors a secured shooting guard spot next to Curry. His gritty nature has always been present, shown by his ability to draw charges and willingness to do what’s necessary for wins.

It also seems like the game has really slowed down for Podziemski this season. He has been more intentional about getting to his spots and absorbing contact to draw fouls instead of avoiding it. 

With Lendeborg and Curry carrying most of the offensive load, Podziemski can still show his effectiveness through playmaking, timely shot-making and defense.

Intercept the inbounds pass.
Call the timeout with your feet inbounds.

Podz channeling his inner cornerback to help seal the Warriors' 7th straight W! pic.twitter.com/zCyDxnZxZE

— NBA (@NBA) November 8, 2026

4. Warriors showcase strength in numbers

When it comes to winning championships, the bench depth is just as important as star power. 

The Warriors’ motto has always been “Strength in Numbers.” This season has been no different. 

During their win streak, check out the impact the bench has made so far this season: 

• Brandon Williams: The fifth-year guard signed with the Warriors in the offseason and is making an impact leading the bench unit. He’s averaging 10.4 ppg, while shooting 41.3% from the field. The Warriors haven’t seen a player who can attack downhill and score on his own since the days of Jordan Poole. Williams’ production comes in handy as he and the bench unit have taken advantage of the non-Curry minutes to extend leads or create momentum to come back from games. 
• Georges Niang: The ‘Minivan’ signed with the Warriors in the offseason as well and is fitting in like a glove. Although he started the season slowly, Niang has picked up his production during the win streak with averages of 12.3 ppg, shooting 70% from the field and 60% from the 3-point range. Niang’s ability to stretch the floor provides opportunities for his teammates in the five-out offense. 
• Charles Bassey: After his two-way contract wrapped up last season, Bassey was signed to a 1-year deal in the offseason. He’s bounced around the NBA, but has found a role with the Warriors as the backup center. In 12.4 minutes per game, he’s averaging 7.7 ppg and has showcased his two-way impact with 5.7 rpg and 1.0 bpg. He notched a career-high 19 points vs. the Phoenix Suns.  

The Warriors have a clear 12-man rotation heading into any night with a mix of offseason additions (Williams and Niang), rising young talent (Bassey, Gui Santos and Will Richard) and a steady veteran presence (Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and Al Horford).