As per Cricket Exchange, the Golden State Warriors recently suffered another loss to the Clippers—their second meeting in just three days. While the result was disappointing, the performance painted a different picture. In defeat, there were clear signs of growth. As the saying goes, cracks let the light in. With injuries piling up—Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, and Andrew Wiggins all sidelined—head coach Steve Kerr had little choice but to turn to the team’s younger players. What he discovered was a spark he didn’t expect.

In this particular matchup, Moses Moody once again stepped up as an emergency option. Though not the most efficient scorer that night, Moody’s two three-pointers and a strong drive that drew free throws were key moments that kept the Warriors ahead for most of the game. Long before he entered the NBA, Moody was a scoring star at Arkansas, praised for his smooth jumper, transition play, and ability to exploit defensive mistakes. His scouting report highlighted his balance between fast-break aggression and perimeter control.

It’s clear the Warriors drafted Moody hoping he would bring instant offense off the bench and relieve pressure from the Splash Brothers. Yet, as Cricket Exchange notes, Moody spent most of his first two seasons buried on the bench, averaging just 11 to 12 minutes per game with no consistent role in the rotation. That limited exposure dimmed his shine and buried the confidence he once carried in college. But lately, Moody has been seizing his chances. Against Phoenix, he quietly delivered an efficient performance, and in the following games against the Spurs and Kings, he shot a perfect 8-of-8 combined from the field.

Adversity builds character. In the In-Season Tournament game against Sacramento, Moody again impressed but was bizarrely benched late by Kerr, a decision that drew heavy backlash online. After the game, Kerr personally apologized to Moody, admitting it was a poor call. Perhaps as a course correction, Kerr gave him significant minutes in both Clippers games, and Moody responded with energy and purpose. Another beneficiary of this youth movement is rookie Brandin Podziemski. Selected 19th overall, his lack of elite athleticism drew criticism at the draft, and a poor preseason performance only fueled doubts.

However, something clicked during training camp. Podziemski began showcasing his basketball IQ and translating it into real game impact. Given consistent minutes, he made the most of them—scoring in double figures in consecutive games with over 50 percent shooting. It’s reminiscent of last season, when Kerr turned to two-way players Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome during a rough patch without Steph Curry and saw surprisingly positive returns. Back then, the strategy worked. But this year, it took Wiggins injuring his hand in a car door for Kerr to finally trust the youth again.

Over the past two games, Kerr’s adjustments have breathed life into a Warriors team that was looking stale and overly reliant on Curry. The emergence of the young core has not only eased Curry’s offensive burden but also lit a fire under the veterans. Klay Thompson and Wiggins have faced heavy criticism for their inefficiency and shot selection despite commanding large roles. Now, as Cricket Exchange observes, the rise of young talent could threaten their status and make their privileges far less guaranteed.

Whispers have already begun suggesting Thompson and Wiggins could hit the trade block. After weeks of stagnation, the Warriors front office may have finally recognized the root of the team’s decline. No need to prove anything to people who don’t matter—playing better is for your own sake. Whether the team embraces a youth-first shift or chooses to move on from fading stars, one thing is clear: the tide is turning in Golden State.