SAN FRANCISCO — Gui Santos Reaps Rewards from New Contract

Gui Santos, the 23-year-old winger, is feeling pretty good after signing a $15 million contract extension on Saturday. He joked that he and his fiancée can now enjoy some extra treats. After a tough game against the Lakers, he laughed about how his parents back in Brazil thought he was calling with big news.

“They were worried I had news about a baby,” he chuckled. It seems his family assumed he was calling about something huge, but the contract was the actual highlight.

Meanwhile, the Warriors faced a troublesome night, suffering a heavy 129-101 defeat to the Lakers. This loss put them further down the Western Conference standings, and coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that the team was struggling without key players like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Kristaps Porzingis. They also lost rookie guard Will Richard to an ankle injury.

Now, sitting 4.5 games behind the Lakers, Kerr noted the team’s uphill battle in the remaining games. “That’s a lot to make up in 22 games,” he remarked. Yet, his focus remained on simply winning the next game.

For the Warriors, the larger concern hinges on Curry’s health. The 37-year-old has missed a significant number of games due to an overuse injury, and he mentioned it might be longer before he’s ready to play again.

Santos ended the game as a top scorer for his team, marking his doubles in points for 12 out of the last 13 games. Teammate Moses Moody contributed with 12 points, but they were both aware of a bigger picture—matching the skills of powerhouse players like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Draymond Green, who’s now one of the few experienced players left, had a tough game, ending with a minus-30 plus-minus rating. “We’re just trying to find our rhythm,” Moody reflected, capturing the team’s youthful struggle.

In the spotlight, their inexperience showed. Kerr stressed the need for energy and focus, especially on defense, which seemed lacking that night as the Lakers took advantage. The first few minutes painted a grim picture, with Golden State trailing by 17 points early on.

Santos, who has become a regular starter, explained that the team’s defensive commitment needs to improve. “When you’re facing top players, it’s tough to win without strong defense,” he remarked. The stakes are higher now that the Warriors are without Curry; their record shows it clearly—4-6 without him in the last 10 games.

Despite the challenges, Santos is optimistic about the future. He knows the potential within his team, emphasizing that while they’re building something together, Curry’s presence is irreplaceable. “We have to continue growing together,” he said, acknowledging the balance between their new talent and the established star power of Curry.