Towering tall at 7-foot-1, Yang Hansen’s preseason debut at Chase Center was worth a sight. His Portland Trail Blazers teammates and tons of Chinese media were there to witness the moment. But most importantly, Stephen Curry and his Golden State Warriors stood gasping for breath. They had to wait for the final minutes of the fourth quarter to win. And as the Dubs took the 2-0 record in the preseason, it was Hansen who left a memorable impact.

But the 20-year-old ex-Quingdao Eagles star was more starstruck as his world of basketball simulation came to life. Once, Yang spent countless hours immersed in NBA 2K, his fingers dancing across the controller as he commanded his favorite team.

“Back when I used to play 2K, I often played as Curry,” Yang told the media through a translator after the game. “So standing on the same court today with Curry and Draymond felt a bit surreal.” The Mercury News further shared the 20-year-old’s comments. “It just felt unreal, like these guys were characters projected out of 2K,” Yang admitted.

Yang’s preseason debut in San Francisco was a rollercoaster. After losing 129-123 and putting up only six points while fouling out. The game gave him a real-life lesson in why the NBA reigns supreme. Despite the setback, his talent shone through. Stephen Curry and Golden State’s star-studded roster drew attention, but Yang captivated a metro area with over 500,000 people of Chinese descent.

The young gun’s soft jump shot and dazzling passing were honed in the Las Vegas Summer League. They transformed him from a first-round pick into an internet sensation. Yang Hansen proved his dominance long before his first NBA game, even though his debut was tough. As a teenager in the Chinese Basketball Association, he averaged 16.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.8 assists with the Qingdao Eagles. He won the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award and blocked 2.7 shots per game in 53 games. And also earned the 2025 Rising Star and was a two-time CBA All-Star.

Now, for Hansen, the 2025-26 NBA season would be Season 1. But for Steph Curry and his Warriors teammate Draymond Green, it’ll be seasons 17 and 14, respectively. Are they here for the fifth ring together? Yes. And, they still believe that the Golden State Warriors have it in them to win another championship.

Stephen Curry and the Dubs are gearing up to chase another championship

The Golden State Warriors enter the 2025-26 season with a title window that could be closing fast. With key players aging, the opportunity is precious. Yet Draymond Green believes the team is stronger than last year. “Unfortunately, Batman [Curry] went down with a hamstring injury, and it kind of changed the outlook on things a little bit,” he told Malika Andrews. “We think we’re even in a better position now to win a championship than we were last year. Last year, Jimmy didn’t even know any defensive terminology. We were just making it work.”

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are crucial to the team, with Curry’s exceptional skills and Butler’s playoff heroics being particularly noteworthy. Although Draymond Green has slowed down with age, he still provides valuable defense and sound decision-making that anchor the team. If the Warriors maintain discipline, make smart plays, and enjoy a bit of luck, they could emerge from the Western Conference. With a combination of experience, talent, and timing, Golden State might still make a run for another championship.

The NBA welcomed a new star and witnessed seasoned legends sharpening their edge. Yang Hansen’s debut brought simulation to life, while Curry and Green reminded the world why experience matters. With youth, skill, and wisdom colliding on the court, the Warriors’ pursuit of another championship feels electric. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and every second promises unforgettable drama.