Warriors

The Warriors beat the Newcastle Knights 20-12 to continue the Knights hoodoo in New Zealand and start a new era of their own under coach Andrew Webster strongly ...

A gutsy defensive effort in the final 15 minutes, including try-saving tackles from Nicoll-Klokstad and Adam Pompey, kept the Warriors in front. It was the first time in 25 years that the Warriors had opened their season on a Friday - something they may be asking to do again next season if they could pick up a similar result. The Warriors could have had a bigger lead, with Marata Niukore held up over the line and Brayden Wiliame spilling the ball close to the line in the minutes before halftime.

A late error by Newcastle proved the difference as Wayde Egan converted it into the final nail in the coffin for a 20-12 win.

The second-rower found a gap past his former teammates and ran clear in a move that eventually found its way to Kosi, who scored with a one-handed dive in the corner. Nicoll-Klokstad dropped a high ball in the opening minute to give up possession, and the Knights made them pay. Edward Kosi, Bunty Afoa, Nicoll-Klokstad and Egan scored the Warriors' tries, with Fitzgibbon and Hymel Hunt going over for the Knights.

The Warriors saw off the Knights in a gritty win in Wellington as the incoming players at the club stood up on Andrew Webster's head coaching debut.

Second rower Jackson Ford wasn’t regarded as one of the Warriors’ big name signings and was little more than a bit part player for the Dragons. Had Ponga scored it would have been hard to see the Warriors come away with the win. Phoenix Crossland was sin binned in the 57th minute for not being square at the marker as the Warriors were under the Knights’ posts and from the next play Egan had his head slammed in a tackle and needed to go off for a HIA. At Sky Stadium, Wellington: Warriors 20 (Ed Kosi 25 min, Bunty Afoa 29 min, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 51 min, Wayde Egan 71 min tries; Shaun Johnson 2 goals). Knights 12 (Lachlan Fitzgibbon 1 min, Hymel Hunt 45 min tries; Jackson Hastings 2 goals). The Knights had back to back sets close to the Warriors’ line early in the second half and when the ball was moved to the left edge Hymel Hunt found himself with all the space he needed to score.

Jordan Poole's three-level scoring ability was on display Thursday night, and his aggressiveness led the Warriors to a big win over the Clippers.

Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake says they can't afford to continue to fold when things get tough in games this season.

“Webby (Andrew Webster) has come in and he’s addressed that with the squad. By his own admission, Fonua-Blake didn’t have as good a 2022 season as he wanted. “We want to go better than how we did last year, but a lot of that is not having to deal with the opposition we face, but the personnel we take the field with. “It’s a rollercoaster in a game and things are going to get tough, you’ve just got to ride it out and fight your way out of it,” the prop said. Coverage: Live Sky Sport 4, live updates on Stuff from 7.45pm NRL Warriors v Knights Where: Sky Stadium, Wellington.

The Warriors will be hoping a shrewd recruitment drive, a new coach and a return to their home base can inspire them to return to finals footy in 2023.

However, with 30 tries in 74 NRL games and three tries in 10 Tests, the 27-year-old can get back to his best with a full season in the Warriors’ No.1 jersey. Nicoll-Klokstad went from a hero of the Raiders’ grand final side in 2019 to losing his place to Xavier Savage due to injury and poor form in 2022. Nicoll-Klokstad will be looking to build on his World Cup display for New Zealand and hit the ground running in 2023. The former Raider returns to the club he debuted for in 2017 after a frustrating final two seasons in Canberra. Johnson struggled in his return to the club after his stint at the Sharks and people were calling for him to retire after he looked disinterested at times in 2022. Unfortunately his path to first grade is blocked by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marcelo Montoya at this stage, but the 24-year-old has got his chance due to injury in Round 1 and he needs to make the most of it. Unless injury strikes it is hard to see Lussick getting the chance to break into the team in 2023. The Warriors have lacked consistent finishers since they let Ken Maumalo go and Kosi is a potential star of the future if he can get an extended run in first grade. After 227 NRL games and 32 Tests Johnson deserves to go out on his own terms, but there is little room for sentiment as the Warriors aim to return to relevancy so the heat will be on the ageing playmaker to deliver. The knock on the club has been that they don’t have enough hard nosed forwards willing to do the tough stuff and Barnett will certainly help in that department, which is why he has been selected at prop to start the season. Johnson will be 33 this year and while his best years are behind him he can still play a big role for the team and help develop the next wave of playmakers. The young gun flyer scored eight tries in 11 matches last season showing he has what it takes to be a reliable finisher in the NRL.

After a positive – and prolonged – pre-season, the Warriors face their first litmus test tonight against the Newcastle Knights. Michael Burgess outlines the ...

It will be a slow burn – as Webster’s initial focus is on defence, as it should be – but the Warriors need to have more options in their playbook in 2023. Clearer patterns, better communication and a more unified approach with and without the ball are imperative in the early part of this season. Changing the flow of a match through interchange players is a vital aspect of the NRL. The Warriors aren’t going to instantly transform into a freewheeling offensive team, but more variation on attack is imperative. Instead of having to do the jobs of two or three of his teammates, the captain needs to be able to focus on his core role, while everyone else pitches in with theirs. There would be periods of impressive defence, before the levee broke and they conceded tries in bunches.

Stephen Curry went down with a left leg injury just before the All-Star break, and hasn't played in almost a month.

The Golden State Warriors will play against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight at 7:00pm PT in San Francisco. Find additional game information and more here.

Although Westbrook has been playing better since arriving to the Clippers, the team has yet to win a game with him in the lineup. Popped up on the injury report with a left knee contusion. Los Angeles, meanwhile, finds themselves in the opposite situation, losers of three in a row since coming out of the All-Star Break including their most recent 108-101 loss against the [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://www.canishoopus.com) on Tuesday. Jordan Poole is officially available for the Warriors tonight. The Warriors beat the Clippers the first time these teams met, but they lost the latest matchup played right before the break by a score of 134-124. The game is scheduled to be played at 7:00PM PT in San Francisco can be watched on TNT and NBC Sports Bay Area.

General manager Bob Myers gives update on Andrew Wiggins, and a round-up of the rest of the news from the Warriors and the NBA.

31’](https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-star-draymond-green-says-get-rid-of-black-history-month-teach-my-history-from-jan-1-to-dec-31-181834607.html)(Yahoo Sports) [NBA News](http://www.sbnation.com/nba-news-basketball): [Kevin Durant, back from injury, scores 23 in winning Suns debut](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35764508)(ESPN) [Hornets’ LaMelo Ball out for season after right ankle surgery](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35763689)(ESPN) [Hollinger: As NBA title hopefuls get exposed as pretenders, panic season has begun to set in](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F4261008%2F2023%2F03%2F01%2Fnba-playoffs-contenders-hopefuls-pretenders%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstateofmind.com%2F2023%2F3%2F2%2F23622111%2Fdub-hub-daily-warriors-links-for-3-2-23-bob-myers-gives-update-andrew-wiggins-absence)(The Athletic) [LaMelo Ball Undergoes Successful Surgery](https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/lamelo-ball-undergoes-successful-surgery)(NBA) [Ja Morant’s allegations of aggression off the court, explained](https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2023/3/1/23620868/ja-morant-allegations-aggression-teenager-fight-punch-story)(SB Nation) [Bob Myers offers some insight in to Andrew Wiggins absence](https://www.audacy.com/957thegame/sports/golden-state-warriors/bob-myers-offers-some-insight-in-to-andrew-wiggins-absence)(95.7 The Game) [Steve Kerr provides details on next step for Steph Curry’s recovery](https://www.audacy.com/957thegame/sports/golden-state-warriors/steve-kerr-details-on-next-step-for-steph-currys-recovery)(95.7 The Game) [Steph Curry reveals Warriors’ mindset in final stretch of 2022-23 NBA season](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/steph-curry-reveals-warriors-mindset-final-stretch-2022-23-nba-season)(NBC Sports Bay Area) [Warriors know playoff push, title repeat hopes are now or never](https://www.nba.com/news/warriors-repeat-hopes-now-or-never)(NBA) [Warriors star Draymond Green says ‘get rid of’ Black History Month: ‘Teach my history from Jan. [Preview: Warriors take on Clippers in Chase Center without Curry](https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2023/3/1/23621650/nba-2023-preview-golden-state-warriors-vs-la-clippers-stephen-curry-kawhi-leonard-russell-westbrook) [Poole probable, Wiggins still out vs. With 20 games remaining in the regular season, it gives them just enough time to find a rhythm and hopefully establish some positive momentum heading into the postseason. [Golden State Warriors](https://www.goldenstateofmind.com) are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now as they currently ride the momentum of a three-game winning streak. [95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru”]Wednesday to shed a little bit of light on how long we can expect Wiggins to remain sidelined. Hopefully when he gets back, whatever words he would like to say on it, which I don’t think will be much – it’s his private life – he will do.” The Warriors have respectfully given Wiggins all the space he needs as he continues to deal with an undisclosed personal matter. “I don’t think that’s what anybody is planning for,” Myers told Daryle ‘The Guru’ Johnson and John Dickinson (filling in for Matt Steinmetz). The former All-Star has missed the past five games, but Myers says that he does not believe the absence will be long-term. I think what you’re asking is – could he remain out for a long, long time? ESPN Sources: There’s optimism Golden State’s Steph Curry (left lower leg) will return sometime on next week’s three-game road trip, which begins Sunday vs.

Stephen Curry could return from the lower left leg injury that has sidelined him for a month as soon as Sunday.

[Stephen Curry](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3975/stephen-curry) could return from the lower left leg injury that has sidelined him for a month as soon as Sunday. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Curry looked good in those scrimmages and came out of them feeling fine. 4, has gotten a few scrimmages in over the past two days, including one Thursday morning.

The One New Zealand Warriors have completed final preparations for their opening NRL match of 2023 with the added firepower of their 2023 season launch ...

Catch the LIVE coverage of the Warriors v Knights match on the SENZ app. The One New Zealand Warriors kick off their 2023 campaign on Friday night against the Newcastle Knights at 6pm at Sky Stadium, Wellington. The One New Zealand Warriors have completed final preparations for their opening NRL match of 2023 with the added firepower of their 2023 season launch video, courtesy of Kiwi musician Luke Whaanga.

Betting Insights · Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored eight tries in his past 10 games against the Knights. · The Knights won their first two ...

March 3, 2023 March 3, 2023, Friday

Newshub sport's Andrew Gourdie sat down with the new coach before Friday's season-opener.

The Warriors haven't set a definitive timetable for Curry's return, but coach Steve Kerr hinted at him playing Sunday before Thursday's pivotal game against ...

"I mean, that's the hope," Myers told 95.7 The Game's "Steiny & Guru" on Wednesday. And it was impressive to watch him on the bike, how hard he goes. That would be a big mistake." "I think within days of the injury, he was on the bike. "He won't play tomorrow but we'll re-evaluate probably in the next couple of days." He's really amazing when it comes to his conditioning level and his commitment to keeping it high.

Join us for all of the action at 8pm, or tune in to watch live and free-to-air on Three.

For the second straight game, the Warriors turned things around in the third quarter and went on to blow out the Clippers.

This makes the second consecutive game in which the Warriors wiped out a double-digit lead to win by double digits. Trailing by double digits at the half, the Warriors rang up an astonishing 70-36 advantage in the second half – because their defense arrived to save them from themselves. The Clippers were cooked. The Warriors forced seven turnovers, off which they scored 12 points. The script flipped. Then came the third quarter.

Ever since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined the Clippers, Los Angeles has struggled to end dry spells offensively. Unable to find a point guard that meshes ...

Once the Warriors tied things up at the halfway mark in the quarter, it seemed like the Clippers folded. The Warriors trailed 56-45 at the half, but it was hard to believe that Golden State had kept things that close. With Steph Curry slated to [return from his injury](https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2023/3/2/23623183/warriors-steph-curry-injury-return) on Sunday, the Warriors seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time.

For the second straight game, the Warriors turned things around in the third quarter and went on to blow out the Clippers.

The Warriors are set to play their first game in Wellington since round 18, 2019 when a Blake Green field goal gave them a 19-18 win over the Sharks.

Ponga teams with new recruit Jackson Hastings in the halves and Lachlan Miller makes his club debut at fullback. Knights: No changes to the 17 in Thursday's 24-hour update with Brodie Jones, Dylan Lucas and Bailey Hodgson dropping out of the extended squad. Former Dragon Jackson Ford makes his club debut in the back row.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Even with starters Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins still on the sidelines, the Golden State Warriors are suddenly looking like a ...

Clippers: Coach Tyronn Lue and Los Angeles came in with a game plan to get back in transition and limit turnovers — and the Clippers committed 16 that led to 29 Golden State points. The Clippers have lost the last three and 8 of 11 in the second game while playing consecutive nights. Mason Plumlee had a season-best 20 rebounds and his 14 in the initial two quarters were the most of his career in any half. Warriors: The Warriors won their in their fifth consecutive at home vs. ... Of Westbrook’s addition, Lue said, “It’s going to take a little time just adjusting to playing a certain style of basketball.” “They got up 11, but we were still right there because we were defending and taking care of the ball,” Draymond Green said. Kerr credited the reigning NBA Finals MVP for his energy rehabbing the latest injury. (left elbow contusion) and Ivica Zubac (right calf soreness) sat out after coming into the game listed as questionable on the injury report. Curry missed his 10th straight game with a left leg injury after getting hurt against Dallas on Feb. Golden State did the same thing with a comeback win against Portland on Tuesday night. Donte DiVincenzo struggled with his shot, going 2 for 10, but grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds. “He’s been working really hard.

Tries to Edward Kosi and Bunty Afoa ensure the hosts go into the sheds in front after falling behind early in Wellington.

The Warriors and Knights have traded blows in the first half, as the score sits 10-6 to the hosts. Kalyn Ponga orchestrated the first try for Lachlan ...

Superstar Kalyn Ponga found the backrower with a smart short ball, and the 28-year-old was able to weave past defenders. The Knights have drawn first blood only two minutes into their clash with the Warriors courtesy of Lachlan Fitzgibbon. In his first NRL game for the Warriors upon return, the former Raider crossed for a four-pointer, handing his the upper hand. The Warriors have scored their first of the night after some impressive ball handling from prop Tohu Harris. The Warriors and Knights have traded blows as the score sits 14-12 to the hosts as Phoenix Crossland has been sent to the bin. Kalyn Ponga was able to tip the ball on to Bradman Best who drew his man in comfortably.

The first Friday night double-header of the year sees the Warriors play Newcastle in Wellington, before Penrith faces Brisbane at home to kick off its title ...

If the Warriors are to build something for 2023, Friday's night victory over Newcastle was a promising start. Almost since his first day in the job, ...

“There was a huge difference in terms of that resilience, that want to compete and turn up for each other,” noted Harris. “He was outstanding,” said Webster. “To work as hard as they have - if you don’t get the result, you feel gutted for them. “I’m really happy for the boys,” said Webster. “We dug in really well, [but] it’s not a fluke,” said Webster. “We did it in the trial against Melbourne.

The Kiwis fullback gifted the visitors an early try but atoned for that error with an "outstanding" performance highlighted by a match-turning tackle.

"It's great for the confidence, but we know we need to continue to work hard to defend like that in the cage. "I thought that was a huge difference to us in the past. "It's not going to be perfect all the time, but if we have players like Charnze who turn up in that one moment ... It looks like it's going to be our DNA." And that's huge when your defending your line." "We weren't smart at times, I think we all know that, and made it hard for ourselves. "I'm proud of the boys. "Charnze is just a competitor, for 80 minutes. To get round one done and win, I thought it was excellent. That's pretty cool." [as the Warriors recovered from that early setback to clinch a richly deserved 20-12 victory](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/warriors/131402876/charnze-nicollklokstad-helps-warriors-start-season-with-a-bang-defeating-knights-2012) in a game that resembled an arm wrestle at times. [promised a change in mentality this season](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/warriors/131380157/warriors-aiming-to-be-mentally-tougher-in-nrl-this-season-under-andrew-webster), urging his players to grind out results and refuse to throw in the towel when the going gets tough.

A gutsy defensive display in Friday's 20-12 win over the Knights, epitomised by a pair of late try-saving tackles, has Warriors coach Andrew Webster ...

"Charnze is just a competitor for 80 minutes. It looks like if we keep going it's going to be our DNA.Andrew Webster "There were three big chunks of resilience we had to have tonight.

The Golden State Warriors will play against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 7:00pm PT in San Francisco. Find additional game information and more here.

With Pelicans’ All-Star starter Zion Williamson still out with a hamstring injury, expect the Warriors to focus their attention on forward Brandon Ingram who is the team’s second-highest leading scorer with 23.5 points per game. With less than 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Warriors have appeared to step up their sense of urgency. [Los Angeles Clippers](https://www.clipsnation.com) last night 115-91. He will play tonight against the Pelicans. Warriors will have same players available as last night. The game will be played at 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.

More mobile and versatile lineups are likely key in slowing down Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole.

For a refresher, have a look at how the fourth quarter began. Accomplish that tall order and New Orleans may wind up with their second consecutive road upset. A big reason for the immediate improvement stemmed from giving Jaxson Hayes run at the center position and also electing to play small-ball with Herb Jones at the 5. While Stephen Curry remains out with a leg injury, Thompson and Poole have been asked to carry the offensive load. End result: a turnover. A number of New Orleans’ most successful lineups this season have featured Nance at center. They’ve often come through in key moments. The Pelicans were tied for first in the Western Conference towards the end of December. Josh Richardson will not play for personal reasons, so he’ll be sidelined along with Zion Williamson (right hamstring strain), Larry Nance Jr. Net Rating Defensive Rating Offensive Rating

Winners of four straight, the Warriors will look to complete an undefeated five-game homestand on Friday when they host the New Orleans Pelicans.

Still, due to the gap in 3-point percentage (38.6-35.2 Warriors' advantage), the Warriors are the more efficient offense posting a 56.9 effective field goal percentage (accounting for the value and volume of the 3-point shot) compared to 53.8 for the Pelicans. No team in the Western Conference has played more games without their points-per-game leader (Zion leads the Pelicans in scoring at 27.0 PPG). But after turning around the game in the third quarter on Thursday, outscoring the Clippers 42-16 (+26), the Dubs are now a net even in the third period this season. The Warriors and Pelicans shoot practically the same field goal percentage (47.8 percent vs. The Pelicans have played 34 of their 63 games this season without Williamson and are just 14-20 without the high-flying power forward. 30, the Pelicans were 11 games over .500 (23-12). Liddell (right knee injury recovery), Larry Nance Jr. NOP: Jose Alvarado (stress reaction, right tibial), E.J. That marked the second straight game the Warriors put forth a dominant effort in the third quarter, as they outscored Portland 39-17 (+22) in the period in Tuesday’s win. Winners of nine of their last 10 home games, the Warriors will take on yet another Western Conference opponent that’s close to them in the standings. Led by Jordan Poole’s 22-point third quarter, the Warriors outscored Los Angeles 70-35 in the second half. The Warriors have won their fourth consecutive game on Thursday and on Friday they will look to complete the perfect homestand when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans.

The club was left fuming after their star player was sidelined with the game on the line.

NRL reporter Brett Keeble added: “If Ponga was allowed to stay on they could’ve scored a matchwinner. Would hate to see them 0-2 heading into first home game against Wayne & the Dolphins in 2 weeks.” “It caught me by surprise, I said to the ref ‘I’m not going off’, but it’s not his call, it is someone in a box.” Ponga was far from thrilled about being taken from the field with 12 minutes to go and two points in the game but angrily complied. But Ponga was taken off the field for a HIA by the independent doctor. [It was a back and forth game that could have been anyone’s with 12 minutes to go](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/nrl-live-updates-new-zealand-warriors-v-newcastle-knights/FCD76AN6NBFZ7HVAFHTEWEZCVQ/) as the Warriors led 14-12 when Ponga was sent from the field for a rather innocuous HIA.

Warriors 20 Knights 12 If this was the signature performance of an Andrew Webster coached team, we'll take it. Webster has demanded resilience from his War.

Josh Curran, and Johnson went close, before Knights prop Adam Elliott was lucky to escape the sin bin, after a late shoulder charge on Walker. Walker delivered the impact Webster had promised and there was some vintage Warriors play for a few minutes, with offloads and flick passes at pace. The Warriors had a messy first quarter – struggling to make inroads against swift line speed – but finally got going with Ed Kosi’s 25th minute try. After all the buildup, it was an anti-climactic start, with Knights back rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon crossing after Nicoll-Klokstad had spilt a bomb. After conceding a try in the first minute their line was only crossed once more, while they responded with four tries of their own. The Warriors will face better teams than the Knights this season, but they now have something to build on.

Willy Hernangomez will draw the start at center again for Willie Green's squad. With Josh Richardson unavailable for personal reasons, Trey Murphy will return ...

[New Orleans Pelicans](https://www.thebirdwrites.com/) (31-32) at [Golden State Warriors](https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/) (33-30) [New Orleans Pelicans](https://www.thebirdwrites.com) tip against the [Golden State Warriors](https://www.goldenstateofmind.com) at 9:00 p.m. [Pelicans](https://www.thebirdwrites.com/?_ga=2.129436431.2062660796.1613539844-1404429409.1563986214) talk, subscribe to The Bird Calls podcast feed on [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bird-calls/id1254580823), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1hcE37VQq6gvXI5N0wQQNm), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/preston-ellis/the-bird-writes-nba-podcast-for-new-orleans-pelicans) or [@OlehKosel](https://twitter.com/OlehKosel). [our preview](https://www.thebirdwrites.com/2023/3/3/23624041/new-orleans-pelicans-golden-state-warriors-klay-ingram-poole-mccollum-hayes-herb-dyson#comments) a read.

The 27-year-old was one of six new faces to make his club debut in Friday's win over Newcastle.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic's Tim Kawakami, Warriors owner Joe Lacob dove into how finances played a part in Golden State's roster ...

2 ](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/warriors-trade-james-wiseman-pistons-four-team-dealhttps://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/steve-kerr-defends-warriors-james-wiseman-handling-trade)overall pick James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons which brought Gary Payton II back to the Bay Area. Though Golden State received a proven defensive commodity in Payton, Lacob believes trading away Wiseman [could haunt the Warriors](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/joe-lacob-trusted-consensus-james-wiseman-trade-warriors-could-regret) in the future. "So I'm feeling pretty good still about the way we put the roster together," Lacob said. "You have a roster that you try to put together given financial constraints and given what's available and what you get," Lacob told Kawakami. "But remember, we've also got a bunch of lottery picks. He's been incredible," Lacob continued.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shines on his return to the club as the Andrew Webster era begins with a 20-12 win in front a passionate crowd in Wellington.