The Golden State Warriors may not be where they want to be just yet, but over the past 15 games, they’ve looked a lot more like the team fans hoped to see when the season tipped off. A big reason? Moses Moody.
With Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Quinten Post, and Moody rounding out the starting five, the Warriors have gone 10-5 in that stretch-finally pushing themselves four games over .500 for the first time this season. That group has found a rhythm, and Moody’s emergence as a reliable two-way contributor has been a key part of the turnaround.
Moody’s Fit in the Starting Five
Steve Kerr isn’t one to overhype his players, but he’s been clear about what Moody brings to the table. The fifth-year wing has carved out a role as both a defensive tone-setter and a floor spacer who benefits from the gravity of the Warriors' primary playmakers.
“He’s out there because he’s a good defensive player,” Kerr said after the team’s 126-113 win over the Knicks. “He guards generally the best perimeter player right out of the gate. Then he’s a very good 3-point shooter.”
That shooting was on full display against New York, when Moody knocked down 7 of his 9 three-point attempts in one of Golden State’s most efficient offensive performances of the season. It wasn’t just a hot night-it was the kind of performance that shows how seamlessly he fits alongside Curry, Butler, and Green.
With Curry drawing defenders out to 30 feet, Butler slashing and creating, and Green orchestrating from the high post, Moody’s job is simple but critical: be ready to shoot. And when he’s hitting at the clip he is right now, the offense hums.
After a rough December from beyond the arc (33.3%), Moody has bounced back strong in January, shooting a blistering 43.9% from deep. That’s not just a return to form-it’s a sign of a player finding his confidence at the right time.
The Numbers Back It Up
Moody’s impact isn’t just anecdotal-it’s showing up in the numbers. He’s averaging career highs across the board: 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 38.5% from three on 5.7 attempts per contest. That kind of volume and efficiency from a role player is exactly what the Warriors need to keep defenses honest and open up space for their stars.
And when Moody’s on the floor, the Warriors are simply better. Their Net Rating with him in the game is +5.2.
When he sits, that number drops to +1.3. Even more telling?
The team’s defensive rating drops by nearly six points when he’s off the court. That’s a real impact on both ends.
Looking Ahead
Of course, nothing is set in stone. The Warriors are still exploring trade options, including deals involving Jonathan Kuminga-and Moody’s name has surfaced in those conversations as well. But for now, Moody’s spot in the starting lineup is paying dividends.
He’s not just filling a role-he’s elevating it. He’s defending top perimeter threats, spacing the floor, and making smart, timely plays within the flow of the offense. And when he’s knocking down shots like he did against the Knicks, the Warriors look like a team that can do real damage.
There’s still a long way to go this season, and rotations may shift depending on how things shake out at the trade deadline. But if the Warriors are going to keep climbing, Moses Moody is going to be a big part of the reason why.