The Golden State Warriors secured their second preseason win against the Sacramento Kings, but Stephen Curry emphasized that chemistry remains a challenge following Klay Thompson’s departure to Dallas. The Warriors now face the task of filling the void left by the five-time All-Star, with Curry noting that building team identity will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season.

After the Warriors’ 122-112 win over the Kings, Curry acknowledged the challenge of replacing Thompson. Speaking on ESPN, Curry said, “We’re still developing our rotations and chemistry, knowing we have a lot of different guys that can fill roles. Some young guys stepping up, trying to take more of a prominent role. And me and Draymond trying to lead the charge, so we have to take advantage of this preseason. We’re gonna try a lot of different lineups, but it’s about developing an identity on both sides of the floor.”

Curry emphasized that the team will focus on aggressive play, a style familiar to Warriors fans. “I think this year, we can kinda just let loose and be the attacker all year, and we have to really adopt that energy. I think we’re off to a good start in preseason, but looking forward to this whole season.”

So, the solution for their problems: they’ll be aggressive.

HC Steve Kerr urges the team to embrace volume three-point shooting, Curry and Green are stepping up in a new role—leading the Warriors without their longtime teammate. For the Warriors, especially for Curry, replacing Klay won’t be easy. The overall feeling for all of them: reflecting on the void left by his ‘brother’ who now plays for Dallas. The squad is navigating this major change during their preseason camp in Hawaii.

Stephen Curry’s realization of the Klay Thompson void is painful and “super weird”

After 6 NBA Finals trips and 4 championships together, looking past the Klay Thompson move isn’t the easiest thing for Curry. And at this point, reminiscing about their bond is all Curry can do. Recalling how Thompson arrived in a boat during the training, wearing dockers or whatever he had, Curry told ESPN, “He just had a presence about him, a lightness when he came in the room. And his one-liners were always great. … [I’m] talking about him like he died, [which is] super weird.”

The reason Steph was super focused on chemistry was since Thompson and he had that in abundance. And now they have to restructure that with his successor. Pointing out the bright lights of playoffs and the finals, Curry talked about the level of trust and chemistry he had with Thompson, so much so that they felt they were in with a chance of beating just about anyone when they were healthy.

Sure, there will be a reunion, four reunions to be specific. But for Curry, those occasions will be something different. The message for Thompson is clear. “I love Klay, I respect him for 78 games out of the year. I won’t say I’ll be rooting for him, but I’ll be watching him,” Curry said. “The other four games we play him, I’ll be ready to go at him.” The first of those reunions will be during the group stage game of the NBA Cup in November. Surely expecting a standoff with 3s between Curry and Thompson isn’t too much to ask, is it?