Bradley Beal has had some interesting battles with the Golden State Warriors throughout his career. Across 20 games, he's averaged 20.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. While he’s had both standout performances and some rough outings, his ability to score and make plays against one of the NBA’s top teams has been evident.
Early Matchups: Learning the Ropes
When Beal first faced the Warriors in his rookie season (December 8, 2012), he put up 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists while playing 40 minutes. His shooting (35.3% from the field and 16.7% from three) wasn’t great, but he showed flashes of his playmaking ability.
By January 5, 2014, he had a tougher game, managing just 9 points on 26.7% shooting in 25 minutes. That game highlighted the challenge of facing a team with defensive anchors like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. But as Beal matured, his performances against the Warriors improved.
Breakout Games Against the Warriors
One of his early big games against Golden State came on January 28, 2014. Beal scored 20 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists, shooting 42.1% overall and a stellar 57.1% from three. This game showed he was starting to figure out how to attack the Warriors' defense.
Fast forward to October 24, 2018, and Beal put up 23 points in just 19 minutes while shooting 66.7% from the field. That’s an incredibly efficient scoring night and proof that he could torch Golden State if given the opportunity.
Recent Performances: Still a Problem for the Warriors
In his last five games against Golden State, Beal has stepped up even more, averaging 22.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. This suggests he’s becoming even more comfortable playing against them and continues to be a major scoring threat.
Of course, not every game has been smooth. On February 3, 2016, he put up 18 points on solid 47.1% shooting, but he struggled from deep, hitting just 14.3% of his three-point attempts. Meanwhile, on January 24, 2019, he posted a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, though he shot only 36.4% from the field.
The Bigger Picture
Overall, Beal’s track record against the Warriors proves he’s a legitimate offensive weapon. Even when his shooting isn’t at its best, he finds other ways to contribute—whether it’s rebounding, playmaking, or getting to the free-throw line.
Golden State’s defense has always been one of the best in the league, but Beal has found ways to challenge them time and time again. His mix of smooth shooting, slashing ability, and playmaking makes him a constant threat.
While he’s had ups and downs, Beal has shown that he’s not afraid of the big stage, and his battles with the Warriors have been a testament to his growth as a player.
