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Assessing every Golden State player in the team’s 126-113 win over New York.
Jimmy Butler III played 32 minutes, scoring 32 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists, along with 2 steals. He shot an efficient 14-for-22 from the field, including 1-for-3 from three, and 3-for-5 from the free-throw line, achieving a 66.1% true-shooting percentage with a +15 plus/minus. Despite some inconsistencies earlier in the season, Butler emerged as the best player on the court in this game, single-handedly pulling the Warriors back into contention with a 7-0 run in the first quarter and dominating offensively throughout. His flawless, turnover-free performance highlighted his ability to carry the team, reminding everyone of his star potential. Grade: A+ (Led the team in points and rebounds).
Draymond Green played 27 minutes, contributing 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, with 2 turnovers and 3 fouls. He shot 1-for-4 from both the field and three-point range, and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, resulting in a 56.4% true-shooting percentage and a +6 plus/minus. While his offensive impact was minimal, Green's defensive performance was exceptional. He effectively guarded Karl-Anthony Towns, demonstrating his valuable ability to play up a position against elite centers. His defensive prowess was a key factor in the Warriors' victory. Grade: B
Quinten Post was on the court for 12 minutes, scoring 5 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, and committing 1 turnover and 1 foul. He struggled with his shooting, going 2-for-9 from the field and 1-for-6 from beyond the arc, leading to a low 27.8% true-shooting percentage and a -4 plus/minus. Post is currently experiencing a downturn in form, and his performance in this game was notably poor, lacking significant positive contributions to the team's effort. Grade: D (Worst plus/minus on the team).
Moses Moody played 28 minutes, delivering an impressive 21 points and 1 rebound, with 1 turnover and 3 fouls. He was highly efficient, shooting 7-for-10 from the field and an outstanding 7-for-9 from three-point range, achieving a remarkable 105.0% true-shooting percentage and a +3 plus/minus. Moody was the primary offensive spark for the Warriors during their slow start, scoring nine of the team's first eleven points with three early threes. He maintained his strong offensive presence even when the team's offense picked up, capping one of his best shooting performances of his career. His solid defense complemented his scoring outburst. Grade: A+
Steph Curry played 34 minutes, tallying 27 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, alongside 3 turnovers and 1 foul. He shot 10-for-17 from the field, 4-for-9 from three, and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, resulting in a 73.7% true-shooting percentage and a +3 plus/minus. Curry started slowly with early turnovers and no made threes by halftime but was defensively engaged. He ignited his offense in the third quarter and aggressively finished the game in the fourth, showcasing an incredibly efficient all-around performance for the Warriors. Grade: A (Led the team in assists).
Gary Payton II played 16 minutes, recording 0 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, with 2 fouls. He shot 0-for-2 from the field, including 0-for-2 from three, resulting in a 0.0% true-shooting percentage and a -2 plus/minus. Despite not scoring, Payton's rebounding was particularly outstanding for a player of his size, significantly helping the Warriors against a strong rebounding team like New York. His contributions on defense and other facets of the game made for a strong all-around performance. Grade: A-
Gui Santos played only 5 minutes, scoring 3 points, grabbing 1 rebound, and making 1 block, with 1 foul. He was perfect from the field and three-point line, shooting 1-for-1 on both, achieving an impressive 150.0% true-shooting percentage with a -2 plus/minus. Santos was performing well before he unfortunately left the game prematurely due to a sprained ankle. His early exit was a concern for the team. Grade: Please be OK
De’Anthony Melton played 23 minutes, contributing 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, with 1 turnover and 1 foul. He shot 2-for-8 from the field and 1-for-5 from three, with a 31.3% true-shooting percentage, but registered an excellent +17 plus/minus. Melton's overall play was masterful, despite his low scoring. He effectively ran the second unit, excelled both on and off the ball, and made crucial defensive plays, anchoring the bench impressively. Grade: A-
Al Horford played 21 minutes, scoring 5 points, securing 5 rebounds, and distributing 5 assists, along with 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, and 1 foul. He shot 2-for-5 from the field and 1-for-2 from three, achieving a 50.0% true-shooting percentage and a +9 plus/minus. Horford's recent performance has been very strong, living up to expectations as a valuable free-agency acquisition. His ability to come off the bench and provide a balanced stat line with strong defense makes him a significant difference-maker, indicating the Warriors' bench is becoming a formidable unit. Grade: A
Brandin Podziemski played 26 minutes, scoring 19 points, collecting 5 rebounds, and adding 2 assists and 2 steals, with 3 turnovers and 2 fouls. He had an incredibly efficient shooting night, going 8-for-9 from the field, 2-for-3 from three, and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line, leading to a 96.2% true-shooting percentage and a team-best +22 plus/minus. Podziemski showcased a diverse offensive game with various shots and consistently made plays that contributed to the team's victory. His performance was nearly flawless, with the few turnovers being minor imperfections. Grade: A+ (Best plus/minus on the team).
Will Richard was on the court for 15 minutes, scoring 3 points on perfect shooting (1-for-1 from the field and 1-for-1 from three), achieving a 150.0% true-shooting percentage, but with a -2 plus/minus. Despite not filling the stat sheet, Richard played a rock-solid and winning brand of basketball. He consistently made the right decisions, was always in the correct positions, demonstrated good court vision, and understood the team's offensive and defensive schemes without making mistakes, showcasing impressive maturity for a rookie. Grade: B
Pat Spencer played only 1 minute, with 0 points and 0-for-1 shooting, resulting in a 0.0% true-shooting percentage and a 0 plus/minus. His minimal playing time was in garbage time at the end of the game. Spencer's consistent presence as an active player suggests that the Warriors may be planning to integrate him more significantly into the roster later in the season. Grade: Incomplete