SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have received a significant midseason boost following the return of Al Horford and the improved performance of De’Anthony Melton. During a Christmas Day victory against the Dallas Mavericks, Horford showcased his shooting prowess, sinking four 3-pointers and scoring 14 points in just 11 minutes of play. This marked a triumphant return for Horford, who had missed seven games due to sciatica issues.
Horford’s impact was evident as he revitalized the Warriors’ center rotation, which had struggled in the early part of the season. His ability to stretch the floor and challenge shots at the rim has garnered praise from teammates, including Jimmy Butler, who highlighted Horford’s high basketball IQ and infectious enthusiasm on the court. “He definitely spreads the floor, challenges shots at the rim, and is a high-IQ-type player,” Butler stated. “He’s just really, really fun to play with.”
Strengthening the Front Line
With Horford expected to contribute regularly, the Warriors’ center rotation appears more formidable. Quinten Post, despite a shooting slump, remains a high-volume 3-point shooter and provides rim protection. Trayce Jackson-Davis has also emerged as a valuable asset, scoring a season-high 10 points against Dallas. Coach Steve Kerr expressed optimism about the potential of two-big lineups, stating, “To have Trayce out there doing the same, defending, blocking shots, and then to have Al, suddenly we have a pretty solid front line should we choose to go big.”
While Horford strengthens the front line, Melton has been making strides in his recovery from an ACL injury that kept him out for over a year. He played a season-high 24 minutes against the Mavericks, contributing 16 points and taking the second-most shots on the team. Despite struggling with his 3-point shooting early in the game, Melton’s aggressive play caught Kerr’s attention, who emphasized the importance of Melton continuing to take open shots. “You have to remember he hasn’t played really for most of two years, that’s a long time to be out,” Kerr noted. “He’s still getting his rhythm back.”
Building Momentum for the Season
Melton’s shooting percentage has not been impressive at 27% over seven games, but his two-way ability has been apparent. He consistently attacks the rim and offers one of the few reliable options for penetrating the defense. Following the team’s third consecutive win, Melton expressed confidence in his progress, stating, “I think definitely my conditioning has gotten better. Before, my first five minutes of the game, I feel like I’m ready to pass out. But now, I feel a lot better, I feel like I can play a lot longer.”
As the Warriors prepare for a three-game trip beginning in Toronto on December 31, the return of Horford and the resurgence of Melton could be pivotal in their quest to ascend the competitive Western Conference standings. Kerr welcomed the return to health, noting that Seth Curry was the only player on the injury report, allowing him to utilize all expected contributors for the first time this season. “I feel like we’re in a good place. We have a rotation, we’re healthy,” Kerr stated, reflecting on the team’s current status.
With the potential for sustained contributions from both Horford and Melton, the Warriors may find the consistency they need to improve their performance as the season progresses.
