The Golden State Warriors continued their strong pre-All-Star break run with a dominant 126-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, improving to 5-1 since acquiring Jimmy Butler. Stephen Curry led the way with 30 points, while Butler made his home debut and contributed 18, helping the Warriors take control early with a double-digit lead in the first quarter that grew to as many as 23 in the second.
Golden State blew the game open with a 39-point third quarter, highlighted by an eight-point burst from Curry as they crossed the 100-point mark before the final period. The Warriors’ aggressive play was evident at the free-throw line, where they outscored Dallas 20-13, with Butler going a perfect 8-for-8 and continuing to make an impact with his ability to draw fouls.
Golden State has now won five of six and secured back-to-back 20-point wins as they build momentum for the stretch run. After the game, the franchise honored Andre Iguodala by retiring his jersey, celebrating the four-time champion and 2015 NBA Finals MVP. After a positive afternoon for the Warriors, let’s provide a grade for each of their players.
Stephen Curry: A+
Stats: 30 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 7 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, 12-20 FG, 3-8 3PT, 3-3 FT, +14, 29 MIN
Curry was at his absolute best, dictating the game with his efficient scoring and timely shot-making. He poured in 30 points on 12-of-20 shooting, effortlessly weaving through Dallas’ defense while knocking down three triples. His offensive explosion in the third quarter helped the Warriors pull away, proving once again why he remains the heart and soul of this team. Even with just four rebounds and seven assists, his impact was undeniable as Golden State cruised to victory.
Jimmy Butler III: B+
Stats: 18 PTS, 3 REB (1 OREB, 2 DREB), 5 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 5-9 FG, 0-2 3PT, 8-8 FT, +28, 28 MIN
Once again, Butler showcased his trademark two-way presence. While he wasn’t the Warriors’ leading scorer, his ability to draw fouls and control the pace stood out—he went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, emphasizing his physicality. Though he attempted only nine shots, his five assists and relentless defensive energy contributed to the Warriors’ dominant win. The +28 plus-minus speaks volumes about his impact on the floor.
Brandin Podziemski: B+
Stats: 17 PTS, 13 REB (3 OREB, 10 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 0 PF, 7-15 FG, 3-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, +30, 30 MIN
Podziemski played an all-around game, stuffing the stat sheet with 17 points and a team-high 13 rebounds. His hustle on the boards was particularly impressive for a guard, securing 10 defensive rebounds to help limit second-chance opportunities for Dallas. Though his efficiency wasn’t flawless (7-of-15 shooting), his confidence in taking shots and hitting three triples kept the Warriors in rhythm.
Moses Moody: B+
Stats: 14 PTS, 4 REB (2 OREB, 2 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 5-10 FG, 1-4 3PT, 3-4 FT, +16, 27 MIN
Moody continued to make the most of his opportunities, delivering an efficient 14 points while showing improvement in his all-around game. He provided value beyond scoring, grabbing four rebounds and contributing defensively with a steal and a block. Though his three-point shot (1-of-4) wasn’t as sharp as he’d like, his aggressiveness in attacking the rim and knocking down free throws gave the Warriors a steady boost.
Draymond Green: B+
Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 6 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 5-10 FG, 0-2 3PT, 3-4 FT, +19, 27 MIN
Draymond played his signature game, stuffing the box score with 13 points, six assists, and two steals. While he’s never the focal point offensively, his ability to facilitate and find open teammates was critical to Golden State’s flow. He also helped anchor the defense, constantly disrupting Dallas’ sets and finishing with a game-high +19 plus-minus. A classic do-it-all performance from the veteran leader.
Quinten Post: C+
Stats: 10 PTS, 6 REB (2 OREB, 4 DREB), 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 3-9 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-2 FT, 0, 18 MIN
Post had a mixed night, contributing 10 points and six rebounds but struggling with efficiency, hitting just 3-of-9 shots. He did, however, knock down two three-pointers and remain aggressive in hunting his shot. His size helped on the boards, but he lacked a true defensive presence against Dallas’ frontcourt. Overall, a solid but unspectacular outing.
Kevon Looney: C+
Stats: 7 PTS, 3 REB (2 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 3-5 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, +8, 13 MIN
Looney’s minutes were limited, but he made his presence felt with seven points and three rebounds. He was efficient inside, converting 3-of-5 shots, and provided some defensive stability with a block and a steal. While his role remains somewhat reduced, his experience and fundamentals continue to be valuable for the Warriors.
Gui Santos: C+
Stats: 5 PTS, 8 REB (5 OREB, 3 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 2-5 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, -3, 20 MIN
Santos made an impact on the glass, pulling down eight rebounds—five of them offensive—to give the Warriors extra possessions. However, his offensive game was less effective, as he shot just 2-of-5 and missed three of his four three-point attempts. His defensive energy was solid, but he’ll need to find more consistency in his shooting to earn a bigger role.
Gary Payton II: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 3 REB (1 OREB, 2 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-2 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -2, 11 MIN
It wasn’t a big night for Payton, who played just 11 minutes and finished with three points. He hit one of his two three-point attempts and grabbed a few rebounds, but his usual defensive presence wasn’t as noticeable. Still, his ability to provide quick bursts of energy remains an asset.
Buddy Hield: C-
Stats: 3 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 1-4 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +19, 18 MIN
Hield had a quiet game, struggling to get involved offensively. He scored just three points on 1-of-4 shooting, failing to find a rhythm from deep. He did contribute two assists and a block, but for a sharpshooter of his caliber, this was an off-night. Fortunately for Golden State, they didn’t need his scoring this time.
Kevin Knox II: N/A
Stats: 4 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 2-4 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 7 MIN
Knox got limited minutes but made the most of them, scoring four points on 2-of-4 shooting. While his three-point shot wasn’t falling, he showed some aggression offensively. It’s hard to gauge much from just seven minutes of play, but he provided some depth scoring late in the game.
Yuri Collins: N/A
Stats: 2 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 1-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 6 MIN
Collins had a brief six-minute stint, where he managed to contribute two points and two rebounds. He also added a steal, showing some defensive instincts. His playing time was too short to leave a major imprint, but he remained active in his limited minutes.
Pat Spencer: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-2 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 6 MIN
Spencer struggled to make an impact in his short time on the floor, missing both of his shot attempts. He did record a steal and an assist, but with only six minutes of action, he didn’t have much opportunity to showcase his skills.
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