Warriors Rally Past Mavericks in Thrilling Comeback
The Golden State Warriors delivered a stunning performance on Thursday night, overcoming a 13-point halftime lead to secure a 126-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center. This game showcased the depth and resilience of the Warriors, with Cooper Flagg leading the charge with a game-high 27 points. Stephen Curry contributed significantly with 23 points despite shooting 6-of-18, while Jimmy Butler showcased his all-around skills with 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. On the other side, Klay Thompson struggled, finishing with just seven points on 3-of-8 shooting in what has been a challenging matchup for him.
Horford Shines After Absence
One of the most noteworthy performances came from Al Horford, who appeared revitalized after missing seven consecutive games. Prior to Thursday’s matchup, Horford had a troubling minus-13.5 net rating when on the court, coupled with a shooting percentage of just 32.1 percent overall and 29.8 percent from beyond the arc. His issues with sciatica had clearly hampered his play.
However, Horford turned the tide with an impressive outing, scoring 14 points while also grabbing four rebounds, dishing out two assists, and recording two steals without committing a turnover. His early barrage of four three-pointers in the first quarter was instrumental in helping the Warriors establish a 12-point lead. As the Warriors look to solidify their center rotation, Horford’s resurgence could pave the way for a more aggressive pursuit of a big wing in future trades.
Melton’s Multifaceted Game
De’Anthony Melton’s contributions, despite his shooting struggles, proved vital. He managed just 5-of-14 from the field, yet he filled the stat sheet with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block—all while maintaining a clean turnover record. His plus-19 rating in 24 minutes underscored his impact on both ends of the floor.
Entering Thursday’s contest, Melton had been grappling with subpar shooting percentages, sitting at 27.1 percent from the field and 12.5 percent from three-point range. Should he return to his career average of 36.5 percent from beyond the arc, his net rating is set to improve dramatically. Once he finds his shooting rhythm, expect Melton to assume a more significant role as a two-guard in the Warriors’ lineup.
Davis’ Injury Raises Concerns
In stark contrast, Anthony Davis reminded everyone of the inherent risks in trading for him, as he exited the game in the second quarter due to a groin injury and did not return. Davis has had a tumultuous season, playing only 16 games thus far, a drop from the 51 games he managed last year. His availability has been a constant issue, with only one season since 2018-19 in which he played more than 62 games.
While there have been no indications that the Warriors are actively pursuing Davis in trade talks, speculation lingers, especially if they consider moving Draymond Green. However, with Green’s recent improvement in ball security—recording just two turnovers in 28 minutes on Thursday—it’s likely that the Warriors will think twice before gambling on Davis, regardless of his undeniable talent when healthy.
