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As the shot clock dwindled to under three seconds, De’Anthony Melton recognized it was time to take a shot. Coming into Thursday’s game, he had missed 15 consecutive 3-pointers, yet he was determined to shoot his way out of the slump.
Melton released the ball, and it swished through the net, prompting a relief-filled celebration.
The tides are turning for the Golden State Warriors. Their 126-116 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day marked a successful 3-0 homestand, pushing their record to 16-15 and above .500 for the first time in nearly three weeks. The team is fully healthy, and head coach Steve Kerr has finalized both the starting lineup and a rotation.
“We’ve been seeking consistency,” Steph Curry noted about the new substitution patterns. “It aids players in understanding their roles and forming chemistry, particularly on offense.”
While none of the three victories have been outstanding, they show signs of progress amidst challenges. “We feel like we’re on the right track,” Kerr stated. “We have a steady rotation and are healthy.”
This rotation excludes Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Seth Curry, reaching 11 players deep, with Gui Santos and Pat Spencer also as possible options. The primary lineup consists of Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post, utilizing two contrasting styles of play.
The Warriors easily handled the Mavericks, leading by as much as 17 points and never trailing in the second half. They rebounded aggressively, collecting 13 offensive boards that resulted in 24 second-chance points. Despite poor shooting, the Warriors outperformed the Mavericks with 10 more 3-pointers.
Veteran Al Horford returned from a seven-game absence and made an impressive impact, scoring 14 points in just 11 minutes.
This victory held special significance following a recent heated exchange between Kerr and Green. The team appears to have moved on from that incident. “I liked it,” Butler commented. “Seeing that passion is motivating.”
However, consistency remains key; earlier this season, fluctuating lineups caused issues, affecting the team’s performance. The current strategy shows promise but requires further refinement. Kerr believes that they can emulate last season’s success if they find their rhythm.
Despite a decent showing against a solid Mavericks defense, the Warriors’ offensive consistency is still a work in progress. Turnovers continue to plague the team, and they need key players like Moody and Post to contribute effectively.
Green’s struggles are notable, with a negative impact on the team’s plus-minus this month. Yet there’s optimism regarding his potential resurgence. “We’re in a good place,” Butler affirmed. “We’re going to shine soon.”
