Stephen Curry used the spotlight before Golden State’s preseason game against the Lakers to honor a coach who helped shape the earliest part of his NBA career.
Tuesday night was marked as “Nellie Night,” a tribute to Don Nelson, the longtime coach and Hall of Fame figure who died in August at 86. Nelson, who also won five NBA championships as a player, coached Curry during the guard’s rookie season with the Warriors, before the franchise’s rise into a dynasty.
Golden State made the tribute visible on the uniforms, with yellow “Nellie” patches on the shoulder area that the team will wear throughout the season.
“I just want to welcome you back on our behalf. As you might notice, we have a new patch on our jersey this year to honor our former head coach, Mr.
Don Nelson. Give it up for him,” Curry told the crowd.
“He's second on the all-time list of wins in NBA history. He was my coach back in 2009 with some amazing guys who are here right now.”
Curry also called Nelson “an icon in the Bay area” and said the team plans to recognize him all year with the patches.
“We want to thank you all for coming to Nellie Night. Let's have a great night,” he said before heading to the sideline.
Nelson finished his head coaching career with 1,335 wins, a total that came across stops with the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks as well as Golden State.
Once the game got going, the Warriors handled business with a 124-98 win over a Lakers team that rested several regulars. Luka Doncic did not play after appearing in the previous preseason game, his first action since being sidelined with injury late last season. Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler were also out.
Curry logged 14 minutes and put up 16 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg led Golden State with 17 points, while Brandin Podziemski added 16. Draymond Green chipped in three points, eight assists, and three rebounds.
Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis did not suit up for Golden State.
The teams will see each other again when the Lakers open the regular season against the Warriors on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10 p.m. ET.
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