Grading Warriors Players vs. Bucks: Curry Drops 38 As Team Improves To 2-0 With Jimmy Butler

Stephen Curry delivered a season-high 38 points, leading the Golden State Warriors to a commanding 125-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Curry’s brilliance was complemented by Jimmy Butler, who continued his seamless transition into the Warriors’ lineup with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in just his second game with the team. 

Buddy Hield chipped in 16 points, while Quinten Post and Moses Moody each added 13, as Golden State pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure their second straight win. The Warriors capitalized on Milwaukee’s fatigue from playing on back-to-back nights and the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains sidelined with a calf strain. 

Despite Damian Lillard’s 38-point effort and Kyle Kuzma’s 21 points, the Bucks struggled to keep pace, committing 20 turnovers and allowing Golden State a season-high 16 steals. Butler’s key contributions late in the third quarter helped Golden State take an 89-83 lead into the fourth, where they never looked back. 

The Warriors’ active defense led to 17 more field-goal attempts than Milwaukee, showcasing their tenacity and ability to create opportunities. With the win, the Warriors improved to 2-2 during their seven-game road stretch, displaying their potential with their revamped roster. Let’s provide a grade for every Warriors player. 

Stephen Curry: A+

Stats: 38 PTS, 6 REB (0 OREB, 6 DREB), 4 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 0 PF, 12-24 FG, 6-16 3PT, 8-9 FT, +8, 34 MIN

Curry delivered an MVP-caliber performance, erupting for 38 points to match Damian Lillard’s output and lead the Warriors to victory. His shooting efficiency and ability to create offense in key moments kept Golden State in control, particularly with six made threes and an 8-for-9 effort at the free-throw line. Though not as active defensively, his +8 plus/minus reflected his significant offensive impact, as he continues to carry the Warriors’ scoring load.

Jimmy Butler: B

Stats: 20 PTS, 9 REB (6 OREB, 3 DREB), 6 AST, 4 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 4-12 FG, 0-2 3PT, 12-15 FT, +0, 31 MIN

Butler showcased his all-around game, contributing 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists while playing tough defense with four steals. He was instrumental in Golden State’s third-quarter surge, helping them take the lead into the fourth. However, his shooting (4-for-12 FG) left room for improvement, as he relied heavily on free throws to score. Despite some foul trouble, Butler’s leadership and physical presence were key to the Warriors’ win.

Buddy Hield: B

Stats: 16 PTS, 7 REB (1 OREB, 6 DREB), 1 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 4 PF, 7-15 FG, 2-8 3PT, 0-0 FT, +11, 30 MIN

Hield provided reliable secondary scoring with 16 points, including two three-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds. While his shooting efficiency was average (7-for-15 FG), he made key plays during Golden State’s fourth-quarter run and played solid defense with two steals. His three turnovers and four fouls slightly detracted from his overall performance, but his +11 plus/minus reflected his positive impact.

Moses Moody: B-

Stats: 13 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 1 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 5-10 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, +3, 33 MIN

Moody put together a solid two-way performance, scoring 13 points while adding three rebounds, three steals, and a block. His defensive activity stood out, helping the Warriors capitalize on Milwaukee’s 20 turnovers. Offensively, Moody was inconsistent (5-for-10 FG, 1-for-5 3PT) but made his free throws and contributed valuable minutes. 

Quinten Post: B-

Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB (2 OREB, 2 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 4-5 FG, 3-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, +11, 15 MIN

Post was highly efficient in limited minutes, scoring 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting, including three triples. He also grabbed four rebounds and went 2-for-2 from the line, making the most of his opportunities off the bench. While his defensive presence was minimal, his ability to stretch the floor and provide a spark offensively made him a valuable asset in this game, as reflected by his +11 plus/minus.

Brandin Podziemski: C+

Stats: 9 PTS, 9 REB (2 OREB, 7 DREB), 3 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 3-10 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-4 FT, +18, 32 MIN

Podziemski had a mixed outing, contributing nine points and nine rebounds while adding three assists and two steals. However, his shooting efficiency (3-for-10 FG, 1-for-5 3PT) was subpar, and he struggled to finish plays offensively. Despite his offensive struggles, his hustle on the boards and defensive activity were critical in keeping the Warriors ahead, as reflected in his team-high +18 plus/minus.

Draymond Green: C+

Stats: 6 PTS, 3 REB (1 OREB, 2 DREB), 5 AST, 5 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 5 PF, 2-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-4 FT, +14, 32 MIN

Green displayed his usual defensive intensity, recording five steals and a block while also dishing out five assists. However, his offensive struggles (2-for-7 FG, 0-for-3 3PT) and five personal fouls limited his overall impact. His +14 plus/minus highlighted his role in anchoring the Warriors’ defense, but his performance was more workmanlike than standout.

Kevon Looney: C

Stats: 4 PTS, 5 REB (3 OREB, 2 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 1-5 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT, -3, 12 MIN

Looney played a quieter role in this game, finishing with four points and five rebounds in 12 minutes. While his offensive contributions were limited (1-for-5 FG), he provided his usual steady rebounding presence, particularly on the offensive glass. 

Gary Payton II: N/A

Stats: 4 PTS, 0 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 2-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +6, 10 MIN

In just 10 minutes, Payton contributed four points on perfect shooting (2-for-2 FG) and three assists. While his impact was limited by his short stint on the court, his defensive energy and hustle were evident, as shown by his +6 plus/minus.

Pat Spencer: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +0, 1 MIN

Spencer saw only one minute of action, where he grabbed two rebounds and recorded one assist. His minimal playing time didn’t allow him to leave a significant mark on the game.

Jackson Rowe: N/A

Stats: 2 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, +0, 1 MIN

Rowe logged one minute, scoring two points on a quick bucket. His limited time on the floor left no room for additional contributions or an accurate evaluation of his performance.

Trayce Jackson-Davis: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +0, 1 MIN

Jackson-Davis played just one minute and didn’t register any meaningful stats aside from a personal foul. His brief time on the court didn’t allow for a proper assessment of his game.

Gui Santos: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, +2, 6 MIN

Santos played six minutes but failed to make an impact offensively, going 0-for-1 from the field. He also committed a foul, but his +2 plus/minus indicated his time on the floor didn’t hurt the Warriors overall.

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