NBA: Warrior godfather.

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The Oracle Center was a cauldron of noise, the air electric with anticipation as the third quarter began. The Rockets had been playing a solid game so far, keeping pace with the Warriors thanks to Aaron Brooks' quick drives and Scola's reliability in the post. But everything was about to change, and it started with Stephen Curry.

Curry caught the ball on the right wing, took a deep breath, and launched an audacious three-pointer from nearly 30 feet out. The ball arced high, hung in the air, and fell perfectly through the hoop. The crowd erupted as Curry turned, grinned, and broke into a celebratory dance.

Kenny Smith, seated at the commentator's table, couldn't contain himself.

"That's vintage Curry right there! He's a magician from deep, and the fans are feeding off his energy!"

Charles Barkley, however, was less impressed—or so he claimed.

"This is just bad basketball! If I were Liam González, I'd bench Curry for taking such reckless shots. Sure, it went in this time, but you can't build a team around luck!"

Barkley's disapproval was palpable, but even he had to admit the Oracle Center was alive in a way it hadn't been for years. The fans were on their feet, roaring approval with every swish of the net. For a franchise still finding its footing under Liam González, this was a watershed moment.

But Curry wasn't done. On the very next possession, he found himself matched up against Shane Battier, the Rockets' defensive ace. Curry toyed with him, feinting a drive before pulling back for another three-pointer. Battier closed out as best he could, but it was too late—the ball sailed over his outstretched hand and into the net.

Swish!

The scoreboard read 70–84, and the Warriors were pulling away.

"Charles, still think that was a bad shot?" Kenny Smith teased.

Barkley grumbled, trying to maintain his position.

"Look, I'll admit Curry's in rhythm right now, but this kind of play isn't sustainable. You can't rely on circus shots to win games!"

In truth, even Barkley couldn't deny what was unfolding. Curry's performance wasn't just a statistical outburst; it was a spectacle, a masterclass in shooting and showmanship that was redefining the Warriors' identity in real-time.

Meanwhile, the Rockets struggled to respond. Aaron Brooks managed to weave through the Warriors' defense for a floating layup, briefly stemming the tide. But on the next possession, Curry answered with yet another three-pointer, this time off a slick pass from Azubuike.

The Oracle Center exploded once again. Curry was on fire, and the Rockets had no answers.

The Rockets' Weaknesses Exposed

From the sideline, Liam González watched intently. He had studied the Rockets extensively, both as a coach and as a lifelong student of basketball. He knew their strengths—the steady presence of Luis Scola, the defensive tenacity of Battier, and the speed of Aaron Brooks. But he also knew their fatal flaw: a lack of a true closer.

This Rockets team was a collection of capable role players, but when the offense stalled, they lacked a go-to scorer who could take over the game. Liam had seen it happen countless times during his analysis. The Rockets would fight valiantly for three quarters, only to falter when it mattered most.

And tonight, they were up against Stephen Curry, whose third-quarter explosions were becoming the stuff of legend.

After another missed shot by Scola, Curry once again took charge. Using a screen from Varejao, he shook free from his defender and launched a three-pointer in one fluid motion. Battier, chasing him relentlessly, could only watch as the ball splashed through the net.

72–92. The Warriors had opened up a 20-point lead, their largest of the game.

Curry let out a triumphant roar, pointing skyward as his teammates mobbed him in celebration. The Oracle Center was deafening, a sea of gold jerseys and waving banners.

The Emotional Highs of Oracle Center

Larry Riley, the Warriors' general manager, stood from his courtside seat, clapping vigorously. For him, this moment was deeply personal. He had bet on Curry in the draft, believing in his potential despite doubts from analysts and scouts. And now, as the arena roared in approval, Riley felt vindicated.

"This feels like the playoffs," Riley muttered to himself, remembering the legendary "We Believe" Warriors from two years prior. But this time, the excitement wasn't just about one magical run—it was about the future.

Back at the commentator's table, Kenny Smith marveled at the scene.

"Charles, this crowd is electric! Curry's single-handedly turned this game into a blowout."

Barkley, still begrudging, conceded,

"Fine, fine. I'll admit it—Curry's on fire. But let's not crown him just yet. One good game doesn't make a superstar!"

But Barkley's skepticism rang hollow. Everyone in the building could see it: Curry wasn't just having a good game. He was changing the trajectory of the franchise.

The Tactical Adjustments

Rockets coach Rick Adelman called a timeout, hoping to stem the Warriors' momentum. On the sidelines, he tried to rally his team, emphasizing tighter defense and smarter shot selection.

"We've got to contest everything," Adelman urged, pointing at the whiteboard. "Don't let Curry get another clean look!"

But the adjustments proved ineffective. The Rockets simply didn't have the personnel to keep up with Curry's off-ball movement and quick release. Even when they doubled him, Curry found open teammates like Biedrins and Azubuike, who punished the Rockets with timely buckets.

Meanwhile, the Warriors' defense tightened. Varejao, in particular, shone, disrupting Scola's post-ups and grabbing crucial rebounds. Butler, though quiet offensively, made his presence felt with timely steals and blocks, anchoring the Warriors' newfound defensive identity.

By the end of the third quarter, the scoreboard read 83–101. Curry had scored 21 points in the quarter, including six three-pointers, and the Warriors had all but secured the win.

Garbage Time and Reflections

With a comfortable lead, Liam pulled his starters six minutes into the fourth quarter, giving his bench players valuable minutes. The Rockets, recognizing the futility of a comeback, did the same.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Warriors celebrated their first win of the season with a convincing 121–102 victory.

Curry was the undeniable star, finishing with 33 points, 10 assists, and an impressive 8-of-14 shooting from beyond the arc. His performance wasn't just efficient—it was transformative, a glimpse into what the Warriors could become under Liam's guidance.

Azubuike chipped in 16 points, while Biedrins dominated the paint with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Butler's defensive contributions—four steals and two blocks—underscored the Warriors' commitment to a more balanced style of play.

Liam González's Philosophy

In the post-game press conference, Liam addressed the media, including ESPN and Movistar reporters.

"Tonight was about trust," Liam explained. "I trust Steph to make the right decisions on the court, and I trust our team to play hard on both ends. It's not just about scoring—it's about doing the little things that lead to wins."

For Liam, the victory was more than just a number in the win column. It was a validation of his approach: prioritizing teamwork, discipline, and defense without stifling individual brilliance.

Under his leadership, the Warriors were no longer the chaotic, offense-first team of years past. They were evolving into something greater—a team capable of competing at the highest level.

As the players filed out of the locker room, Curry lingered for a moment, reflecting on the night's events. The Oracle Center was nearly empty now, but the echoes of the crowd's cheers still reverberated in his mind.

This was just the beginning.

End of this chapter

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