The Warriors took off to Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Sept. 27 for their very first team visit to the country, where the squad tipped off the 2022-23 preseason against the Washington Wizards as part of the 2022 NBA Japan Games.
The Dubs packed their bags and boarded the plane for an exciting two-game preseason slate in Japan.
Klay Thompson practiced Japanese greetings ahead of his trip overseas, signifying ‘Japan Klay’ is in full effect.
Upon landing in Tokyo, the 2022 reigning NBA champions were welcomed by a sea of Dub Nation fans, with Warriors and team coaching staff signing jerseys and fan memorabilia.
“I’m excited to be here,” 2022 Finals MVP Stephen Curry shared after landing in Japan.
After settling in Tokyo, Curry and fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson met with renowned yokozuna Hakuhō Shō, who owns five world records in sumo wrestling. Last year, The Washington Post coined Shō the “the greatest figure in sports, maybe ever.”
Along with the fun, the Warriors remained locked in abroad, putting up buckets during practice in Tokyo.
Following practice, Curry met with megastar SUGA who is a member of the K-Pop band BTS.
Stephen Curry Meets Suga
Curry also linked up with another special guest, Sana Maeda. The four-time NBA champion gave the young baller some ball handling tips and she even received a special assist from Dubs’ forward Jonathan Kuminga.
During their trip, the squad stopped by the Tokyo Tower to take a team photo ahead of practice.
The Warriors arrived on site for their preseason opener against the Washington Wizards on Friday. The matchup marked the defending champions first time on the court since winning the 2022 NBA Championship in June.
No matter where he is, Steph gonna Steph, with the eight-time NBA All-Star putting on a signature pregame performance at the Saitama Super Arena.
James Wiseman led the Warriors to a 96-87 victory over the Wizards, posting a game-high 20 points and nine rebounds. The seven-foot center was extremely active near the rim, slamming six dunks including an alley-oop from Stephen Curry.
Highlights: James Wiseman Scores Game-High 20 Points in Preseason Opener Against Wizards
Some Warriors spent their off day at a Hedgehog Cafe.
Jordan Poole, Lester Quinones and Moses Moody explored Japan, went shopping, and even crashed a wedding!
Warriors Day Off in Japan
The Dubs partnered with Rakuten to unveil a community court at the Ikenoue Youth Exchange Center in Setagaya City, Tokyo.
Tennis player Frances Tiafoe met with some of the Warriors players, including Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
On Saturday night, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson won the title of 3-Point Champs at the 2022 NBA Japan Games Saturday Night Fan Fest.
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson Win Japan Games 3-Point Contest
In the second and final game in Japan, the Warriors overcame a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter to pick up a 104-95 victory over the Wizards. Stephen Curry led the Dubs with 17 points in 17 minutes and didn’t play in the second half, and Moses Moody and rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. finished with 12 points apiece, with each making big plays down the stretch to lift the Warriors to their second win over the Wizards in Saitama.
Highlights: Warriors 104 - Wizards 95
Draymond Green, Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole reflect on the the 2022 NBA Japan Games.
"It was an amazing trip," Curry said. "Japan Games 2022 was phenomenal."
Photos: 2022 Golden State Warriors Media Day Portraits
1 / 20SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a head shot during 2022 NBA Media Day September 25, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
