Keaton Wagler details first week of NBA experience facing Stephen Curry, Warriors

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The LA Clippers opened up their preseason on a strong note when they took down Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Hawaii. The Clippers claimed the 104-101 victory thanks in part to the clutch shot-making of rookie Keaton Wagler.

The No. 5 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, Wagler hit the go-ahead shot with 14 seconds remaining in the game on a turn-around step-back jumper. He was mobbed by teammates, and after getting one final stop, Wagler had his first career NBA game-winning shot.

It capped off what was an already incredible start to his NBA career. Wagler joined a Clippers franchise that was all over the news this summer due to the NBA’s investigation. And in his first week, he got to experience an NBA training camp and take the court with Warriors legend Stephen Curry, an experience he had to chuckle about when looking back at it.

“It definitely was different. Especially my first play checking in and then he’s guarding me. It’s kind of crazy that he’s the one guarding me, but it kind of was just like a moment where it was like “wow, it’s crazy that this is happening.’ But I think I cant get stuck in that moment. I just have to play it how it is.”

In 13 minutes of play, Curry finished with 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting with two rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, Wagler struggled as expected, scoring 15 points but shooting just 3-of-15 from the field and 1-of-11 from three with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Through no fault of his own, Wagler has been thrust into an even bigger spotlight with pressure on him to be good right away after the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers stripped them of five future draft picks from 2029-2033. He’s not paying any attention to that, and has his eyes focused on the regular season and taking it a week at a time.

“It’s been a lot of fun getting to work super hard, be around my teammates, everyone is willing to get better,” Wagler said. “Keep getting better every day has been our goal one day at a time and just getting ready for our next preseason game. We’re excited for it, looking to get another opportunity.”

At just 19 years of age, there will undoubtedly be growing pains for the young Clippers guard. But the franchise has a good group of coaches and veteran players to mentor him throughout the journey.

The Clippers have one final preseason game on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets before taking a week to make final preparations for the start of the 2026-27 regular season opener on Wednesday, October 21st against the Sacramento Kings.