Tonight, the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Golden State Warriors in their first NBA Cup game, marking Klay Thompson’s highly anticipated return to play against his former team. Thompson, a key figure in Golden State’s dynasty and a four-time NBA champion, was one half of the famous “Splash Brothers” duo with Stephen Curry. During his storied career with the Warriors, Thompson earned five All-Star selections and helped solidify the team’s place in NBA history.
Heading into this game, the Warriors hold an impressive 8-2 record, sitting third in the Western Conference. Their strong start has been one of the season’s surprising storylines, with younger players stepping up alongside veterans like Curry and Draymond Green, signaling a shift toward a new era for Golden State.
Warriors’ Starting Lineup Breakdown:
Point Guard – Stephen Curry
At the helm, as always, is Steph Curry, the NBA’s all-time greatest shooter, still playing at an elite level in his 16th season. Curry leads the team with 22.0 points per game, shooting 47% from the field and 43% from three-point range. In addition, he’s averaging 6.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game, proving that he remains Golden State’s top scoring threat in 2024.
Shooting Guard – De’Anthony Melton
Starting at shooting guard is De’Anthony Melton, a defensive standout who returned from injury just in time for tonight’s matchup. Melton is contributing 9.6 points per game and will be tasked with guarding both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving throughout the night. Buddy Hield, meanwhile, will see significant minutes off the bench in a role similar to Thompson’s, excelling as a catch-and-shoot specialist and currently the Warriors’ second-highest scorer with 18.0 points per game, hitting 48.8% from beyond the arc.
Small Forward – Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins holds down the small forward spot, posting 15.5 points per game, making him Golden State’s third-leading scorer. Entering his 10th season, Wiggins was the top pick in the 2014 draft and, though he may not have met the lofty expectations of a first-overall selection, he’s been a consistent and productive player across his career, finding a solid role within the Warriors’ system.
Power Forward – Draymond Green
Draymond Green, another original member of the Warriors’ championship core, starts at power forward. Known for his defensive intensity and playmaking, Green is contributing 8.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He brings valuable experience and will likely be used strategically on Doncic in certain defensive sets.
Center – Trayce Jackson-Davis
Golden State’s center position tonight will be filled by second-year player Trayce Jackson-Davis, who has quickly become a hidden gem. Drafted 57th overall in 2023, Jackson-Davis has far outperformed expectations, averaging 7.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 16.8 minutes per game. Known for his efficiency around the basket, he provides an essential inside presence for the Warriors.
Depth Off the Bench:
Golden State’s bench is loaded with depth and defensive talent, including Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, Lindy Waters, and Gary Payton II. With such a deep roster, the Warriors have been able to stay fresh throughout games, and their defense has been a significant strength this season. This rotation will pose a challenge for Dallas, as the Warriors can run 13 players deep, each of whom has been averaging double-digit minutes when available.
With a lineup blending veteran savvy and youthful energy, Golden State’s defense and depth will test Dallas’s endurance and versatility.
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