Honestly, if you watched the Golden State basketball game on Tuesday night against Portland, you saw something that hasn’t been true for a while now. The Warriors didn’t just win; they looked like they actually had a plan for when Stephen Curry isn't the one doing all the heavy lifting. It’s been a weird, bumpy ride this season. One night they look like the dynasty of old, and the next they’re dropping a head-scratcher to the Hawks. But that 119-97 blowout of the Trail Blazers at Chase Center felt different. It felt sustainable.
Let’s talk about De’Anthony Melton. Most people were wondering if he’d ever find his rhythm again after being out of the loop for so long. Then, he comes off the bench and drops 23 points. That’s a season-high for him. He hit four triples and looked like he was playing at a completely different speed than everyone else on the court. It wasn't just a fluke, either. Melton has been in double figures for four straight games now. Steve Kerr even mentioned after the game that they didn't really expect this level of rhythm so soon, considering he basically hadn't played meaningful minutes in two years.
The Jimmy Butler Factor
It’s still a little surreal seeing Jimmy Butler in a Warriors jersey. But you’ve gotta love what he’s doing. He finished with 16 points, 6 boards, and 5 assists against Portland. He isn't out there trying to be Steph. He’s out there being the "adult in the room" when the second unit is on the floor.
When you look at a Golden State basketball game lately, the rotation is deeper than it’s been in years. You have Al Horford providing veteran minutes, Jonathan Kuminga still being that explosive wildcard, and Brandin Podziemski doing a bit of everything. It’s a roster that finally has some meat on its bones.
Steph only had 7 points in the Portland game. Yeah, you read that right. Seven. For a guy who usually drops 30 in his sleep, that would normally be a death sentence for the Dubs. Instead, he just sat back and dished out 11 assists, letting the bench run wild. It was his 148th career game with double-digit assists. It’s kind of beautiful, really. He doesn't have to be the hero every single night anymore.
What's Next on the Schedule
The Warriors are sitting at 22-19 right now, which puts them 8th in the West. It’s not where they want to be, but they’re only a few games out of the top four in a very crowded Pacific Division. Tonight—Thursday, January 15—is a big one. They’ve got the New York Knicks coming to town.
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The Knicks are 25-15 and playing some tough, physical ball. Jalen Brunson is a nightmare to guard, though he’s officially "day-to-day" with an ankle issue. If he plays, it’s going to be a massive test for Golden State’s defense, which is currently ranked 8th in the league for points allowed. Honestly, the Knicks are 9-11 on the road, so Chase Center needs to be loud.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Draymond Green vs. The Knicks' Frontcourt: Draymond is still the heart of the defense. He’s going to have his hands full keeping the Knicks off the glass.
- The Bench Mob vs. Miles McBride: New York’s bench has some shooters. If Melton and Hield can outscore them, Golden State wins this.
- Steph’s Bounce-Back: Don’t expect two 7-point games in a row. Steph usually follows up a quiet night by lighting the building on fire.
The Warriors have a heavy home stretch coming up. After the Knicks, they've got the Hornets on Saturday and the Heat on Monday. This is the part of the season where they have to stack wins if they want to avoid the stress of the Play-In Tournament.
Realistic Expectations
Look, nobody is saying this team is the 2017 squad. They aren't. They’re older, and they’re more inconsistent. But the depth is real. When you have guys like Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II coming off the pine, you’re always in the game. The "strength in numbers" mantra actually feels like a thing again, rather than just a marketing slogan.
The biggest limitation right now is health. Seth Curry is currently out with a thigh injury, which thins out the backcourt a bit. But as long as the core stays upright, this team is a threat to anyone in the West.
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If you’re heading to the Golden State basketball game tonight or just watching from the couch, keep an eye on the transition defense. That’s where the Blazers tried to hurt them with a 19-5 run in the third quarter on Tuesday. The Warriors stopped the bleeding that time, but the Knicks won't be as forgiving if they get a chance to run.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the first 6 minutes of the 2nd quarter: This is when the Warriors' bench usually determines the momentum of the game.
- Check the injury reports late: With the Knicks having Brunson on the bubble, the betting lines and defensive schemes will shift right before tip-off.
- Track the assist numbers: The Warriors are averaging 30 assists over their last 10 games. If that number stays high, it means the ball is moving and the offense is clicking.
- Secure tickets early: With the Knicks in town, the secondary market prices for the Chase Center are jumping, currently starting around $70-$80.