Warriors look rusty in opening win

In their first game in 277 days, the Golden State Warriors were predictably disjointed but a revamped bench led the way in their 107-105 win against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on Saturday night.

Here are a few takeaways from the game.

1. SHORT STINTS FOR THE STARTERS >> Head coach Steve Kerr said the Warriors were not going to stick with their normal rotation in the first preseason game. That included not playing Stephen Curry the entire first quarter. Instead, he aimed to cap each player at 20 minutes.

The starting lineup (with Eric Paschall in Draymond Green’s place) played the first six minutes of the first quarter, last six minutes before halftime and the first six minutes of the third quarter.

Curry played 21 minutes, went 3 for 10 overall (2 for 7 on 3-pointers) and had three assists and three turnovers. The inefficiency was a factor of rust and lack of experience with his teammates. By creating space, Curry can make the game much easier for those he plays with, but it does take a while for new teammates to get used to how he relocates in the halfcourt.

“As soon as Steph gives up the ball, that’s when the action really starts,” Kerr said. “That’s the tricky part for guys to figure out.”

Only one of his shots — a made 3-pointer in transition in the third quarter — could have been considered a good look by the Warriors’ dynastic standards. Green’s return should lead to better shots for Curry, but there’s still much to iron out with his new- look supporting cast.

Highlighting the starters was Oubre, who the team acquired with the trade exception this offseason and faces the task of replacing Klay Thompson.