The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for a crucial four-game road trip, kicking off Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. Following a challenging 145-127 defeat to the Toronto Raptors, where they notably struggled without their star player, Jimmy Butler, the Warriors aim to bounce back. Butler, who had been a key contributor averaging 20 points per game, was ruled out for the season due to a torn ACL sustained just before the Raptors game.
The absence of Butler was profoundly felt, particularly during the first quarter where the Warriors allowed an overwhelming 41 points. Although the team made some efforts to rally in the second half, they remained unable to regain control of the game. As they head into this matchup, the Warriors are tasked with finding ways to fill the void left by Butler’s injury.
One point of interest for the Warriors is the performance of Jonathan Kuminga, who made a significant impact in his first game back after a lengthy absence, contributing 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 21 minutes on the court. Coach Steve Kerr expressed satisfaction with Kuminga’s readiness and his ability to step up during Butler’s sidelining. This could signal a pivotal change for Kuminga as he adjusts to a more prominent role in the lineup, posing the question of whether this development is a short-term solution or part of a long-term strategy heading into the trade deadline on February 5.
As the team checks in with a record of 25-20, they face the Mavericks (18-26) at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The game is set to begin at 4:30 PM PT and will be available for viewing on Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area.
In preparation for the matchup, the projected starting lineups include Warriors’ staples such as Steph Curry and Draymond Green, alongside new faces stepping into the limelight, while the Mavericks will feature players like Cooper Flagg and Max Christie.
Fans are hopeful that the Warriors can harness their resilience and rally together during this challenging time, as they aim to regain their footing in the league amidst adversity.