The Golden State Warriors looked like a completely different team since acquiring Jimmy Butler III, and their dominance continued in a blowout 126-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. With Andre Iguodala getting his jersey retired on the same night, the Warriors gave their fans plenty to celebrate. They have now won five of their last six games, sending a strong message to the rest of the league.
Curry Leads the Charge
Steph Curry once again proved why he is the heart and soul of the Warriors. The superstar put up 30 points, four rebounds, and seven assists in just 29 minutes, shooting an efficient 12-for-20 from the field. His 16-point third quarter was instrumental in breaking the game open, allowing Golden State to cruise to victory.
Jimmy Butler III Makes an Impact
Butler’s arrival has completely changed the Warriors’ identity. With 18 points, five assists, and stellar defense, Butler’s presence is felt on both ends of the floor. He has turned the Warriors into a more aggressive yet disciplined team, something they desperately needed. Over the last three games, Butler has committed just one foul and turned the ball over only once while shooting an impressive 21 free throws.
Brandin Podziemski: The Hustle King
Podziemski was a force on the court, finishing with 17 points and an eye-popping 13 rebounds. Despite being one of the shortest players on the court, he had five more rebounds than any other player in the game. His energy, hustle, and defensive intensity were contagious, setting the tone for the Warriors’ dominant performance.
Mavericks Struggle Without Doncic and Irving
Dallas entered the game without their two biggest stars, Luka Doncic (calf strain) and Kyrie Irving (back sprain), and it showed. The Mavericks struggled to generate consistent offense and failed to match Golden State’s intensity. Klay Thompson led Dallas with 25 points, but the team was simply outmatched. The Warriors’ defense held the Mavs to just 12 points in the fourth quarter, sealing the deal in emphatic fashion.
Player Grades
Warriors
- Steph Curry (A) – Vintage Curry performance. Dominated early, put the game out of reach in the third quarter, and got to rest in the fourth.
- Jimmy Butler III (A) – The new face of the Warriors’ defense and hustle. Has transformed the team’s energy and mindset.
- Brandin Podziemski (A+) – 17 points, 13 rebounds, and elite hustle plays. The engine behind the Warriors’ energy.
- Draymond Green (A-) – Vintage Draymond. Solid defense, playmaking, and leadership.
- Moses Moody (A) – Continues to impress with his aggression and development.
- Gary Payton II (B) – Provided solid defense in limited minutes.
- Buddy Hield (B) – Didn’t take many shots but contributed in other ways.
- Kevon Looney (B+) – Dominated the paint in short minutes.
- Gui Santos (A-) – High-energy player who was everywhere on the court.
- Quinten Post (A-) – Made an impact off the bench.
- Kevin Knox II & Pat Spencer (Incomplete) – Limited minutes but good to see them getting playing time.
Mavericks
- Klay Thompson (B-) – Scored 25 points but faded in the fourth quarter.
- Naji Marshall (B) – Decent effort but couldn’t stop the Warriors’ momentum.
- Dereck Lively II (C+) – Had moments but struggled defensively.
- Rest of Mavericks (C) – The team simply didn’t have enough firepower.
FAQs
The Warriors controlled the game with strong defense, efficient scoring from Curry and Butler, and relentless energy from players like Podziemski.
Butler played an all-around game with 18 points, five assists, and elite defense. He has brought a new level of intensity and discipline to the Warriors.
Dallas needs Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving back as soon as possible to compete in the Western Conference. Their upcoming games will be crucial in staying in the playoff race.
If they continue playing like this, absolutely. With a rejuvenated Curry and a tough defensive mindset under Butler, they can be a dangerous team come playoff time.
Conclusion
The Warriors are peaking at the right time, with Steph Curry leading the charge and Jimmy Butler III making a transformative impact. With back-to-back dominant wins over top Western Conference teams, Golden State is making a case as a legitimate playoff threat. The Mavericks, meanwhile, desperately need Doncic and Irving back if they want to stay competitive.
Golden State will look to continue their momentum in their upcoming games, while Dallas will need to regroup quickly. If this game was any indication, the Warriors are no longer a team to be taken lightly.
